Bowel Obstruction

Overview

A bowel obstruction means something is blocking your bowel (intestine), so food, fluid, and gas cannot move through normally. This can cause crampy belly pain, vomiting, and swelling. It is a serious condition that needs medical attention.

Bowel obstruction is not very common, but it is a frequent reason for emergency hospital admission, especially in older adults.

It can affect people of any age, but you are more likely to experience it if you have had abdominal surgery, have certain bowel conditions, or are older.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Crampy belly pain that comes and goes
• Vomiting
• Bloating or a swollen belly
• Unable to pass gas or stool (poop)
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• Severe belly pain
• Vomiting (often yellow or green)
• Swollen belly
• Fussiness or irritability
• Fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Less obvious symptoms
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Belly swelling
• Nausea without much vomiting
• Constipation that gets worse

Causes

Main causes

• Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) after abdominal surgery
• Hernias (a part of intestine pokes through a weak spot in muscle)
• Tumors or growths pressing on the bowel
• Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory conditions
• Twisting of the bowel (volvulus) or intussusception (telescoping of bowel)

Risk factors

• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Older age
• Certain cancers or treatments like radiation to the belly
• A history of hernias or inflammatory bowel disease
• Taking certain medicines that slow bowel movement

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have constant, severe belly pain
• You cannot keep fluids down or you have repeated vomiting
• You have not passed gas or stool for more than 24 hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild cramps that keep coming back
• You feel bloated after meals for a few days
• You have constipation that is unusual for you

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose a bowel obstruction by asking about your symptoms, examining your belly, and using imaging tests to see the blockage.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam (listening to your belly with a stethoscope)
• Blood tests to check for dehydration or infection
• CT scan or X-ray of the belly
• Sometimes a small tube through your nose to empty your stomach (nasogastric tube)

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely be seen in an emergency department. The doctor will check your vital signs, ask you to describe your symptoms, and may arrange quick imaging. You may be given fluids through a vein and be asked not to eat or drink until the picture is clear.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the blockage is. Many people need to stay in the hospital for monitoring and supportive care. Some blockages resolve on their own with rest and fluids, while others need a procedure to relieve the blockage.

Self-care at home

• Follow your doctor’s advice about eating and drinking
• Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed
• Move gently if you feel able, but stop if it hurts
• Keep your healthcare team informed of any changes

Medical treatments

In the hospital, you may receive fluids through a vein to prevent dehydration. A thin tube may be placed through your nose into your stomach to remove fluid and gas and relieve pressure. Some people get medicines to help reduce swelling or control pain. Your doctor will decide the safest approach based on your condition.

When is surgery considered?

If the blockage is complete, or if part of the bowel is damaged or not getting enough blood, surgery is often needed to remove the blockage and repair the bowel. In some cases, a temporary colostomy or ileostomy (an opening in the belly to pass stool) may be necessary to let the bowel heal. Recovery takes time, and your care team will guide you.

Living with this condition

After a bowel obstruction, it’s normal to feel tired and to need time to heal. You may need a short hospital stay and a gradual return to eating. Follow your discharge plan carefully.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid heavy lifting until your doctor says it’s okay
• Eat smaller meals more often
• Chew food well and eat slowly
• Keep track of any symptoms and report new ones

Diet and exercise

Your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet for a while, then slowly reintroduce fiber. Drink plenty of fluids unless told otherwise. Start with gentle walking and increase activity as you feel stronger.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Going through a bowel obstruction can be stressful and scary. It’s okay to feel anxious or low. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling, and reach out to friends or family for support. If you are in crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or a mental health crisis line right away.

Prevention

Not all bowel obstructions can be prevented, but you can reduce some risks by managing hernias early, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding behaviours that raise your risk of constipation.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent bowel obstruction.

Screening programmes

Some causes of bowel obstruction, like colorectal cancer, can be found early through screening. If you are over 50 or have a family history, talk to your doctor about colorectal screening.

Complications

If left untreated

• The bowel can tear or burst (perforation), causing leaking contents into the belly
• Reduced blood supply to the bowel can cause tissue death (gangrene)
• Severe infection or blood poisoning (sepsis)
• Dehydration and kidney damage

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good with prompt treatment. Most people recover fully, though you may need a hospital stay. If surgery is needed, the success rate is high, and your team will help you manage any long-term changes. Early care makes a big difference.

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