At Fri, 13 Jul 2001, Helen Dynda wrote:
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>[]> How to Detect Intestinal Obstruction -- Intestinal obstruction is a serious surgical emergency. If neglected, it can lead to strangulation and gangrene of the bowel that can be fatal. Identifying intestinal obstruction and seeking early medical attention is therefore critical.
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>1.) Abdominal pain is a common feature. The pain is often central abdominal and colicky -- that it, it waxes and wanes in severity.
>2.) Vomiting is another constant feature in intestinal obstruction.
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>3.) In upper intestinal obstruction, the vomiting is bilious, green or yellow, bitter or sour tasting.
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>4.) Vomiting usually follows abdominal pain.
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>5.) After a few hours, obstipation occurs. The patient does not pass either flatus or stools.
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>6.) Distension of the abdomen is another characteristic feature. It is more pronounced in distal bowel obstruction and progressively increases over time.
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>7.) Temperature is usually normal unless complications set in.
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>8.) Persons who have had prior abdominal surgery are at higher risk because of scarring from the first surgery.
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>9.) Hernias are another frequent cause of intestinal obstruction and all patients with hernias should be on guard against the onset of these symptoms.
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>10.) If the obstruction remains unrelieved, pain increases in severity and becomes constant .
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>11.) Complications like strangulation ( loss of blood supply to intestine ) or perforation of the intestine should be suspected when this happens.
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>12.) Other signs of complications are the change to a more foul smelling feculent vomitus, high fever and sharp localization of abdominal pain.
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>13.) An abdominal x-ray examination will often clinch the diagnosis revealing dilated loops of intestines with multiple air-fluid levels.
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>14.) Emergency resuscitation measures must be instituted and early surgery is often indicated.
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>~ ~ ~ ~
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>[]> Tips:
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>1.) Early diagnosis prevents many complications.
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>2.) High risk patients should be on guard against symptoms of obstruction.
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>3.) When in doubt, seek medical attention.