>----- Original Message -----
From: "Helen Dynda" <olddad66@runestone.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS"
<adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2001 8:01 PM
Subject: How to Detect Intestinal Obstruction.....
> [] How to Detect Intestinal Obstruction...Intestinal obstruction is a
> serious surgical emergency. If neglected, it can lead to strangulation
and
> gangrene of bowel that can be fatal. Identifying intestinal obstruction
and
> seeking early medical attention is therefore critical.
>
> a.. Abdominal pain is a common feature. The pain is often central
abdominal
> and colicky -- that it, it waxes and wanes in severity.
>
> b.. Vomiting is another constant feature in intestinal obstruction.
>
> c.. In upper intestinal obstruction, the vomiting is bilious, green or
> yellow, bitter or sour tasting.
>
> d.. Vomiting usually follows abdominal pain.
>
> e.. After a few hours, obstipation occurs. The patient does not pass
either
> flatus or stools.
>
> f.. Distension of the abdomen is another characteristic feature. It is
more
> pronounced in distal bowel obstruction and progressively increases over
> time.
>
> g.. Temperature is usually normal unless complications set in.
>
> h.. Persons who have had prior abdominal surgery are at higher risk
because
> of scarring from the first surgery.
>
> i.. Hernias are another frequent cause of intestinal obstruction and all
> patients with hernias should be on guard against the onset of these
> symptoms.
>
> j.. If the obstruction remains unrelieved, pain increases in severity and
> becomes constant .
>
> k.. Complications like strangulation ( loss of blood supply to intestine )
> or perforation of the intestine should be suspected when this happens.
>
> l.. Other signs of complications are the change to a more foul smelling
> feculent vomitus, high fever and sharp localization of abdominal pain.
>
> m.. An abdominal x-ray examination will often clinch the diagnosis
revealing
> dilated loops of intestines with multiple air-fluid levels.
>
> n.. Emergency resuscitation measures must be instituted and early surgery
is
> often indicated.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~
>
> [] Tips:
>
> a.. Early diagnosis prevents many complications.
>
> b.. High risk patients should be on guard against symptoms of obstruction.
>
> c.. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~
>
> [ NOTE: I did not include the Url because it was so terribly long.]
>