Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Mar 08, 2024
BookMark
Report

7 Best Treatment for Intestinal Obstruction

Profile Image
Dr. Radhika AmulrajAcupuncturist • 18 Years Exp.MD - Acupuncture, Diploma In Accupuncture, Advanced Diploma In Accupuncture
Topic Image

Intestinal obstruction, also known as bowel obstruction is the disorder which causes the blockage of the bowel. It can be either partial or full. These blockages prevent the liquid or food from passing through the intestine. The blockage can be either in the small or large intestine. Intestinal obstruction leads to stoppage of the blood flow to the intestine, which in turn causes the death of part of the intestine. An intestinal obstruction is mainly caused due to the hernias, adhesions and tumors. It is mostly developed after many years of abdominal surgery, that is caused by the fibrous tissue which presses the guts. Intestinal obstruction can be prevented by taking a proper amount of food, avoiding fibrous food, avoiding eating dried meats etc.

Following are the symptoms that can cause intestinal obstruction. They are as follows

The causes of intestinal obstruction are as follows

  • Viruses or bacteria that cause intestinal infection
  • Adhesions
  • Chemical imbalance
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Foreign bodies
  • Decrease in the blood supply to the intestines
  • Impacted stool
  • Infections inside the abdomen
  • Hernias
  • Volvulus
  • Kidney diseases
  • Gallstones
  • Use of certain medicines, especially narcotics
  • Lungs diseases
  • Tumors that block the intestine
  • Intussusception.

The risk of intestinal obstruction can be reduced by doing the following things

  • Eat slowly
  • Chew the food properly
  • Drink 9 to10 glasses of liquid daily
  • Eat less amount of food than usual
  • Sit in a proper manner and then eat the food
  • Stop eating high fibrous food.

Treatment for Intestinal Obstruction

The intestinal obstruction can be treated mostly either by giving drugs to the patients or by performing surgeries. The 7 best treatment for Intestinal obstruction are as follows:

Dietary Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction

The intestinal obstruction can be treated by following a proper diet. The proper diet include the following things :

  • Eat more and more liquid meals
  • Avoid eating high fiber foods
  • Avoid the meats which are dried
  • Eat the smaller amount of food
  • Fix the amount of caffeine to be taken.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs are the drugs which are used in reducing the inflammation in the small and large intestines. 5-ASA are the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating the intestinal obstruction. So, if you're having an intestinal obstruction, you can take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation in the small and large intestines.

Biologics

Biologics are the therapy which are produced using the living organism such as plant cells, microorganisms, animal cells etc. They are used for the treatment of intestinal obstruction. They treat the intestinal obstruction by targeting the proteins which causes the inflammation. The examples are stelara, humira, skyrizi, remicade, simponi etc.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another treatment used for treating the intestinal obstruction. Acupuncture helps in reducing the pain of the stomach. In acupuncture, firstly the blockage is diagnosed. After diagnosis, the treatment is given according to the acupoints which are selected. Acupuncture reduces the obstruction by stimulating peristalsis and  activating the body's own healing power which in turn makes the intestinal movement better.

Surgical Treatment of Intestinal Treatment

Surgical treatment is one of the best treatments used for intestinal obstruction. When nothing is able to pass through the intestine, then the surgery is needed. In a surgical treatment, the location of the blockage in the intestine is detected first. After detecting the blockage, the smaller cuts also known as laparoscopes are made. In this surgery, the damaged parts of the intestine are repaired. The parts of the intestines which are dead are removed in this surgery. The two types of common surgeries are crohn's disease surgery and ulcerative colitis surgery.

Immune system suppressors

The immune system suppressor is another remedy used for the treatment of intestinal obstruction. These suppressors work in different ways that suppress the immune system which releases inflammation. If these inflammation is released in the body, then they can damage the digestive system including the intestine. These immune system suppressors help in reducing the inflammation in the small and large intestines. The examples of immunosuppressants are azathioprine, methotrexate, mercaptopurine etc.

Other supplements

There are many other supplements which help in the treatment of intestinal obstruction. The doctor may suggest a different supplement after checking how serious the intestinal obstruction is. The supplements are as follows:

  • If there is only a mild pain the doctor may recommend certain painkillers such as naproxen, acetaminophen, ibuprofen etc. 
  • The doctor may suggest the anti diarrheal medication in a situation when the patient is suffering from moderate or mild diarrhea. It adds bulk to the stool. The supplements such as methylcellulose and psyllium powder are given.
  • If you're having less nutrients or vitamins in the body, the doctor may recommend certain vitamins and nutritional supplements which help in the intestinal obstruction.

Conclusion

Thankyou for spending your precious time reading this article. I hope you got proper and relevant information after reading this article. Intestinal obstruction is the disorder which causes blockages in the intestines. Due to these blockages, there is no passage of food and liquid in the intestines. The symptoms of Intestinal obstruction include vomiting, crampy abdominal pain, nausea, swollen belly, constipation etc. So, if you feel the following symptoms, you must consult a doctor immediately.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!
chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
doctor

Book appointment with top doctors for Cramping treatment

View fees, clinc timings and reviews
doctor

Treatment Enquiry

Get treatment cost, find best hospital/clinics and know other details