Intestinal Obstruction

Caring for someone with this condition? Eleplan keeps diagnoses, medications and appointments in one plan.

Start free with Eleplan

Health condition · plain-language reference

Intestinal Obstruction

Also called: Bowel obstruction, Intestinal volvulus, Paralytic ileus

An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or stool cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. There are many causes. The most common are adhesions , hernias , cancers, and certain medicines. Symptoms include: Severe abdominal pain or cramping Vomiting Bloating Loud bowel sounds Swelling of the abdomen Inability to pass gas Constipation A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency. It often requires surgery. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) ↗. For informational purposes only — not medical advice.

ShareEmailTextWhatsAppXFacebook

Medications used for intestinal obstruction

Drugs whose FDA labeling names this condition among its indications — informational, not a recommendation.

Look up another condition or ICD-10 code

Powered by Eleplan

Go into your next appointment with your questions ready.

Create a free care plan, then work with Ellie on the questions you want to ask. You choose who the plan is for.

Prepare appointment questionsSee how Eleplan works →