30. Intestinal Obstruction

Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract prevents the passage of food and liquid through the guts and can be caused by a number of things. People who have undergone surgery might have tissue adhesions in their intestines which hinder the flow of material inside. Oher causes include inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, twisting or intestinal torsion, impacted feces, hernias, tumors, and cancer.

Usually, patients with intestinal obstruction complain of cramping abdominal pain that come and go. They have trouble eating because of appetite loss and notice that their stomachs seem to be larger. Vomiting, trouble moving their bowels and trouble passing gas are also experienced.