What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Can You Die From a Bowel Blockage?
Intestinal obstruction occurs when a blockage in the bowels prevents the contents of the small or large intestine from passing through 12. The condition can become serious and may result in life-threatening complications, so prompt treatment is necessary.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms
If you have an intestinal obstruction, you may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal distension or fullness, constipation or breath odor 12.
Mechanical Obstruction
Diets to Treat Ileus
Learn More
Bowel obstruction is generally caused by mechanical problems, which means that something like hernias, tumors, impacted feces, gallstones, foreign materials or abnormal tissue growth is blocking the way.
Ileus
Paralytic ileus, caused by lung or kidney disease, infection, problems with blood supply, certain medications or chemical, mineral or electrolyte imbalances, is one of the primary causes of obstruction in children. When ileus occurs, the intestine is not physically blocked but does not function correctly.
Complications
Colectomy Postsurgical Complications
Learn More
According to the Mayo Clinic, decreased absorption of fluids and nutrients due to obstruction can cause dehydration and shock, which may lead to kidney failure 2. Additionally, tissue death because of limited blood supply can cause peritonitis, an abdominal infection that needs urgent medical attention. Both of these conditions can be fatal if not properly treated.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, decreased absorption of fluids and nutrients due to obstruction can cause dehydration and shock, which may lead to kidney failure 2.
- Additionally, tissue death because of limited blood supply can cause peritonitis, an abdominal infection that needs urgent medical attention.
Treatment
Treatment for bowel blockage requires hospitalization, where a nasogastric tube is threaded through the nose and into the stomach to decompress the intestine. Surgery may be necessary in cases of obstruction with tissue death.
Related Articles
References
- NIH MedlinePlus: Intestinal obstruction
- Mayo Clinic: Intestinal obstruction
- Large, Bowel, Intestinal, Obstruction I Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. Updated May 31, 2017.
- Intestinal Obstruction - Gastrointestinal Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition. MSD Manual Professional Edition. Updated December 2018.
- Ileus I. Intestinal obstruction and Ileus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. Updated October 2, 2019.
- Acute Perforation of the GI Tract - Gastrointestinal Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition. MSD Manual Professional Edition. Updated December 2018.
- Catena F, De Simone B, Coccolini F, Di Saverio S, Sartelli M, Ansaloni L. Bowel obstruction: a narrative review for all physicians. World Journal of Emergency Surgery. 2019;14(1). doi:10.1186/s13017-019-0240-7
- Sherman K, Wexner S. Considerations in Stoma Reversal. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017;30(03):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157
- Lai H, Wu K, Liu Y, Zeng Z, Zhang B Fluoroscopy-guided long intestinal tube placement for the treatment of malignant bowel obstruction.Oncol Lett. 2019 Jun;17(6):5154-5158. doi: 10.3892/ol.2019.10151. Epub 2019 Mar 15.
- Lee MJ, Sayers AE, Drake TM, Marriott PJ, Anderson ID, Bach SP, Bradburn M,et al. National prospective cohort study of the burden of acute small bowel obstruction.BJS Open. 2019 Feb 22;3(3):354-366. doi: 10.1002/bjs5.50136. eCollection 2019 Jun.
Writer Bio
Jules Stark has been a writer for most of her adult life. Her creative work has been featured in college literary magazines, and her non-fiction articles can be found on eHow.com. She graduated from a small liberal arts college with a Bachelor of Arts in art and archaeology, minoring in both classics and U.S. history.