Bowel Obstruction

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• You have a bowel obstruction when part of your intestines (small or large bowels) is blocked. Your bowel is a long, coiled tube inside your abdomen (stomach) that moves food through your body. A bowel obstruction can happen in any part of your small or large bowels. When your bowels are completely blocked, nothing can pass through. If your bowels are partially blocked, only small amounts of air, water, or food may pass through. A bowel obstruction may be caused by bands of scar tissue that have formed after a previous surgery. It may also be caused by cancer or a tumor (growth) in your stomach. You may also get a bowel obstruction if you have certain medical conditions or treatments.
  
  
• With a bowel obstruction, you may not be able to have a bowel movement (BM). You may have back pain, an upset stomach, vomiting (throwing up), or a bloated (full) feeling. Your caregiver may use imaging tests to look at the part of your bowel that is blocked. If you have a bowel obstruction, you may need to rest your bowel by not eating or drinking. You may also need surgery or special tubes to help empty your stomach. Having your bowel obstruction treated may decrease your pain. You may not feel sick to your stomach or throw up as much. You may be able to have normal BMs and your bowels may be less likely to become damaged.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

You may need to return to your caregiver so that he can remove any tubes or stents. If you have a stoma, you may need to have it closed.

Drinking liquids:

Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have frequent, watery bowel movements.
  
  
• You have a fever (high body temperature) or chills.
  
  
• Your back or stomach hurts.
  
  
• You abdomen is swollen or feels full, even if you have not recently eaten.
  
  
• You are losing weight without trying.
  
  
• You feel dizzy.
  
  
• You have pain that does not go away, even after taking pain medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You cannot have a BM or you throw up every time after you eat or drink.
  
  
• You have severe (very bad) pain in your abdomen.
  
  
• You have bleeding from your rectum that does not stop.
  
  
• You have a fast and pounding heartbeat.
  
  
• You have chest pain.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Bowel Obstruction (Aftercare Instructions)