Bowel (Intestinal) Obstruction Topic Guide

Bowel (Intestinal) Obstruction: A bowel (intestinal obstruction) is a partial or complete obstruction or blockage of the small or large intestines (ascending and descending colon). Early signs and symptoms of a partial, small, or large intestinal obstruction include abdominal pain or distention, nausea, dehydration, blood in the stool, fever, rapid heart rate, inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, and narrow stools. Causes of bowel obstruction in teens and adults include abdominal tumors, Crohn’s disease, and trapped gallstones. Causes in children include birth defects and intussusception. Causes in the elderly include colon cancer and gallstone ileus. Common types of intestinal obstruction include colon cancer, diverticulitis, and diabetes.