Bowel Obstruction Definition & Overview

Get Email Updates

Bowel Obstruction Guide

Christine Jeffries

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Free Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER!

Definition

A mechanical bowel obstruction is a partial or complete blockage in the intestine, which is also called the bowel. Blockages can occur at any point along the small or large bowel. They are more common in the small bowel. When the bowel is blocked, food and liquid cannot pass through. Over time, food, liquid, and gas build up in the area above the blockage. This can cause abdominal pain and swelling.

Mechanical Bowel Obstruction

Nucleus factsheet image
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

ASK Your Health Question

It's FREE and you'll get a response within 24 hours

ASK

Improved

620 Health

Changed

293 Lives

Saved

210 Lives
1 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More


  

Connect with Women Like You 37 Women Care About this Condition

You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!

+ Join this Community

Take our Featured Poll

Have you ever had problems with your mental health? What did you do about it? :
View Results