European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Colicky stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and constipation are indications of a minor intestinal blockage. If you have an obstruction in your proximal digestive tract, you're more likely to have nausea and vomiting than if the blockage is in your distal digestive tract. The vomitus's character is significant, as feculent vomitus indicates a more permanent blockage due to bacterial overgrowth. Partial blockage, as opposed to total obstruction, is characterised by continued passage of flatus and/or stool beyond 6 to 12 hours following symptom start. Abdominal distention is one of the symptoms of a small bowel obstruction, albeit it is more apparent when the blockage is in the distal ileum and may not occur at all when it is in the proximal small intestine. During the early stages of bowel blockage, bowel sounds may be heightened, but by the end of the condition, they may be nearly nonexistent. Evidence of intravascular volume depletion can be seen in the lab in the form of hemoconcentration and electrolyte imbalances. Mild leukocytosis is rather typical. Strangulated obstruction is characterised by abdominal discomfort that is out of proportion to the severity of abdominal symptoms, which may be an indication of intestinal ischemia. Tachodynia, localised abdominal discomfort, fever, significant leukocytosis, and acidosis are common symptoms. Strangulation is possible and urgent surgical intervention is required if any of these signs are present, thus the doctor should act quickly.