What Are the Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction?
The classic picture of intestinal obstruction is “pain, distension, vomiting, and absence of stool/gas.” Abdominal pain: forceful peristalsis in the proximal bowel causes colicky pain every 5–15 min; persistent severe pain suggests ischemia or perforation. Distension: gas and fluid accumulate proximal to the blockage, inflating the abdomen; low obstructions produce greater swelling and visible peristaltic waves. Vomiting: high obstructions provoke early, frequent emesis—first gastric, then bilious or feculent; low obstructions delay vomiting. Obstipation: complete obstruction abolishes flatus and stool; residual distal content may be passed early. Auscultation reveals hyperactive, high-pitched, metallic bowel sounds; peritoneal signs or systemic toxicity warn of... Learn more