Could You Have a Bowel Obstruction - Digestive Health Center - Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Digestive Health Could You Have a Bowel Obstruction A bowel obstruction impairs the body's ability to move food through the intestines for proper digestion. It's crucial to know the warning signs, because this acute condition requires fast medical attention. By Jennifer Acosta ScottMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH Reviewed: May 31, 2011 Medically Reviewed iStock If you’ve had abdominal surgery recently, it’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms of a complication known as a bowel obstruction. While not extremely common, a bowel obstruction — also called intestinal obstruction — can occur when scar tissue forms inside the abdomen after a surgical procedure, causing a kink in the intestines. In some cases, food movement is totally blocked; with a partial bowel obstruction, a limited amount of food can move through. “A bowel obstruction is not really anything on the inside of the bowel,” explains Richard A. Desi, MD, a gastroenterologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. “It can twist the bowel into a funny position, to close or clamp it off.”Other bowel obstruction causes can include cancer or a Identifying Bowel Obstruction SymptomsBowel obstruction symptoms usually come on suddenly, and they are severe — acute pain in the abdomen, along with nausea or vomiting. Most people affected by a bowel obstruction are unable to pass gas or have a If you have bowel obstruction symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Doctors may use a NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Digestive Health Gut Check: Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut? It’s not just the raw eggs that can make you sick.By Kaitlin SullivanOctober 4, 2022 Gut Healthy Foods Worth Trying — or Not Are you plagued with gut problems and looking for a solution? The answer might be in your diet. Read on for expert advice on which foods might be worth...By Jane OkojiAugust 23, 2022 Are Bidets Good for Your Bum—and the Planet? Here’s all you need to know about the clean tush movement.By Jordan M. DavidsonAugust 22, 2022 Gut Check: Is Coffee Good for Your Gut Microbiome? Drinking coffee comes with a number of health benefits, and now some studies suggest that may be because it supports a healthy gut.By Ashley WelchAugust 17, 2022 Mom, My Tummy Hurts: Common Digestive Issues in Kids Stomachaches in kids can come and go, but frequent tummy troubles may need medical attention.By Stacy KishJuly 22, 2022 The Consumer’s Guide to Biologics for Eosinophilic EsophagitisBy Maria MastersJuly 21, 2022 Can You Get Sick From a Swimming Pool or Lake? Find out about the germs that lurk beneath the surface at swimming holes — and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.By Sandra GordonJuly 19, 2022 What to Know About Elimination Diets for Eosinophilic Esophagitis An elimination diet can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. In the end, though, it may reveal exactly what’s triggering your symptoms.By Johanna NeesonJuly 18, 2022 Dealing With Dysphagia When You Have Eosinophilic Esophagitis Difficulty swallowing is a common symptom of eosinophilic esophagitis, but there are some simple ways to mitigate this side effect and ease discomfort...By Jennifer Kelly GeddesJuly 18, 2022 4 Natural Remedies for Reflux Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis When conventional medicine isn’t enough, the addition of a complementary treatment or two may be the key to relief from heartburn caused by EoE.By Jennifer Kelly GeddesJuly 18, 2022 MORE IN How to Manage Constipation Associated With Crohn’s Disease Despite Rising Cases, Hispanic Americans Face Delays in IBD Treatment The Many Varieties of MS Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges