An intestinal obstruction can occur abruptly and violently. But the signs are not always clear. Women in particular should pay attention.
Sudden, severe pain in the abdominal area that gets progressively worse, including nausea and swelling in the abdomen: an intestinal obstruction can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Read here which signs often appear in women and how you can prevent the symptoms.
Women usually notice an intestinal obstruction with similar symptoms to men, but there are some aspects that may be particularly important for women. Signs of an intestinal obstruction include:
Good to know: In women, symptoms of intestinal obstruction can sometimes be misdiagnosed as gynecological problems such as endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary or fallopian tube). A precise medical evaluation is therefore important.
In principle, an intestinal obstruction can occur at any age – even in children. However, people who have undergone abdominal surgery are particularly at risk. There is a higher risk if there are known diseases that can trigger an intestinal obstruction – such as colon cancer. This is more common in older people. Because older people usually drink less, exercise less and have slower digestion, they are also more likely to have chronic constipation, which in the worst case can cause intestinal obstruction.
The reasons for an intestinal obstruction are varied. Adhesions in the small intestine after operations are often the cause. These so-called adhesions can strongly compress intestinal loops from the outside. Trapped abdominal wall hernias (hernias) are also often responsible.
In the colon, tumors usually lead to a blockage of the intestine, especially in older people who are at risk of colon cancer. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis can also hinder intestinal transit. People who suffer from intestinal paralysis (paralytic ileus) are also at risk.
In children, mechanical intestinal obstruction often occurs due to so-called intestinal intussusceptions. This causes parts of the intestine to fold into each other and form an obstacle for the chyme.
Intestinal obstruction cannot always be prevented, but some measures can reduce the risk:
A sudden intestinal obstruction is usually manifested by severe, cramp-like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and a bloated stomach. These symptoms can easily be confused with gynecological problems in women, which is why a detailed medical evaluation is urgently required.
The risk groups for intestinal obstruction primarily include older people, as they are more likely to develop intestinal diseases and adhesions after operations.
