Intestinal obstruction

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:

  • Crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas
  • Swelling of the abdomen (distention)

When to see a doctor
Because of the serious complications that can develop from intestinal obstruction, seek immediate medical care if you develop the signs or symptoms listed above.

References
  1. Turnage RH, et al. Intestinal obstruction. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&uniq=200844987-3. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  2. Foxx-Orenstein AE. Ileus and pseudo-obstruction. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&uniq=200844987-3. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  3. Torrey SP, et al. Disorders of the small intestine. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&uniq=216142190-4. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  4. Peterson MA. Disorders of the large intestine. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&uniq=216142190-4. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  5. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinalpo/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  6. Abdominal adhesions. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinaladhesions/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
DS00823 Sept. 18, 2010

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