What Causes A Bowel Obstruction?

Impacted Stool

Also known as fecal impaction, impacted stool develops when fecal matter becomes stuck in the colon. Patients with this condition may experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. In severe cases, fever, confusion, rapid pulse, and dehydration could occur. Patients may develop impacted stool as the result of a spinal cord injury or complications from colorectal and pelvic surgeries. Individuals who eat a low-fiber diet may be more at risk of experiencing impacted stool, and frequent diarrhea increases the risk as well. Impacted stool requires urgent treatment, and patients with any of the aforementioned symptoms should head to the emergency room. During the diagnostic process, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the patient's abdomen to detect masses, and a rectal examination will be conducted. Patients might need to have abdominal x-rays and ultrasounds, and a barium enema could be recommended. Fecal impactions may be treated with laxatives, manual removal, enemas, and water irrigation.

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Infection

Infections such as gastroenteritis and appendicitis can sometimes lead to bowel obstructions. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a viral infection transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Patients with this infection could have a fever, and nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea are common. Symptoms tend to begin within one to three days of exposure, and patients may be ill for one to ten days. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, and symptoms typically have a sudden onset. Individuals with appendicitis could experience sharp, sudden pain on the right side of the lower abdomen, and the pain may worsen with coughing and walking. Nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation, and loss of appetite could also occur. This condition is considered a medical emergency, and patients with suspected appendicitis should seek immediate treatment at the emergency room. Surgery to remove the appendix is the standard treatment.

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