What Causes A Bowel Obstruction?

Bowel obstruction is a medical emergency where the small or large intestine has become blocked and does not allow food to pass. A blockage in the bowel can cause the individual's intestine to split or rupture. When a bowel obstruction tears or ruptures the intestine, the contents before the blockage can spill into the abdominal cavity and cause a life-threatening infection. Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, bloating, nausea, severe pain, inability to pass gas, and a swollen belly. A physician can use a physical examination, blood tests, endoscopy, computerized tomography scans, and contrast x-rays to pinpoint and diagnose an obstruction.