Guide To Common Bowel Obstruction Symptoms

Abdominal Swelling

The abdominal swelling associated with a bowel obstruction can be severe, and it tends to get progressively worse. While abdominal swelling associated with other conditions might come and go, the type of swelling associated with a bowel blockage can only be relieved with surgery or other specialist treatment; no medications or dietary changes will be effective. Patients who have a swollen abdomen typically feel an uncomfortable sensation of fullness in the area, and nausea or vomiting may occur. Eating is often difficult. To assess abdominal swelling, doctors will ask the patient about any personal or family history of bowel conditions and cancers, and they will also want to know if the swelling has changed over time. During the physical examination, the doctor will gently tap the patient's abdomen to check for fluid in the abdominal cavity, and they will also measure any abdominal masses that might be present. The patient will be weighed to check for recent weight loss that could be concerning, and some patients may need to provide a stool sample to check for blood in the stool. In certain cases, the doctor might need to perform a rectal examination to check for fecal impaction.

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