What is the treatment for intestinal obstruction? 12 medicinal and home remedies
What is the treatment for intestinal obstruction? 12 medicinal and home remedies
time inspiration Therapy Last update: 5 hours ago Published: 9 hours ago No questionsAwaiting review by the medical team of Darmankade
After fully defining this disease and its complications and symptoms in the article What is intestinal obstruction and why it occurs, in this article we are trying to fully define the various treatment methods for intestinal obstruction. An obstruction closes the intestinal tract and slows or stops the movement of material. As a result, waste materials and digestive juices collect behind it and damage the intestinal tissue. In intestinal obstruction, time is of the essence. If you see the symptoms of this condition, including abdominal swelling, severe heartache and vomiting, you should see a doctor immediately. Now stay with us until the end of this article from Dermankade Health Magazine to get complete information about the ways to treat intestinal obstruction.
Table of Contents
- ways Treatment of intestinal obstruction according to the type of disease
- 1. Treatment of intestinal obstruction with surgery
- 2. Conservative treatments
Intestinal obstruction treatment methods based on the type of disease
Treatment of this complication depending on the type and cause Its occurrence is different, but it usually requires hospitalization.
1. Hospitalization to stabilize the condition
When you go to the hospital, the doctor first performs the following actions:
- Serum injection
- Inserting a tube into the stomach through the nose (nasogastric tube) to remove air and fluids and reduce abdominal swelling
- Putting a urinary catheter in the bladder to collect urine and examine it
2. Treatment of partial obstruction
If the obstruction is such that some food and liquid can still pass through the intestine, you may not need further treatment once the condition stabilizes. In this situation, the doctor recommends following a low-fiber diet to facilitate the passage of substances through the intestines. However, if the blockage does not go away on its own, surgery may be necessary.
3. Treatment of complete obstruction
If no material can pass through the intestine, surgery is recommended. The type of operation depends on the cause and location of the blockage. In this method, the doctor may remove the cause of the obstruction or the affected parts of the intestine.
Surgery is usually necessary to treat complete intestinal obstruction.The procedure you have will depend on what's causing the obstruction and which part of your intestine is affected. Surgery typically involves removing the obstruction, as well as any section of your intestine that has died or is damaged.
The type of surgery depends on the cause of the obstruction and the part of the intestine that is affected. Surgery usually involves removing the obstruction as well as removing dead or damaged parts of the intestine.
4. Treatment of intussusception
In children, barium or air enema is used to diagnose and treat intussusception. In this disease, a part of the intestine sinks into another part of it. If the enema is successful, usually the patient does not need additional treatment.
5. False Obstruction Treatment
Sometimes you experience symptoms of a bowel obstruction, but there is actually no obstruction. Researchers believe that this condition, which is called false obstruction (paralytic ileus), occurs due to a malfunction of the intestinal nerves. However, more research is needed to better understand it.
If the doctor suspects a false obstruction, he may recommend that you stay in the hospital for one to two days to determine the exact cause and treat it. Pseudo-occlusion often resolves on its own. During this time, feeding may be done through a nasogastric tube or serum to prevent malnutrition. But if there is no improvement, the doctor tries to help the contraction of the muscles of the intestine and the movement of food in it by prescribing medicine.
If a disease or a certain medicine is involved in the occurrence of false obstruction, the doctor will treat the disease or stop the medicine. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to treat this condition.
If the intestine is excessively enlarged, a treatment called decompression may be effective. Decompression is performed through colonoscopy or surgery and helps to reduce pressure and remove adhesions.
Do you suspect that your symptoms are an indication of intestinal obstruction? Make an appointment with a doctor.
No need to visit a doctor, get advice from a doctor right now Expert visit Gastroenterology Online consultation from a gastroenterology specialistIf you suspect that your symptoms are an indication of intestinal obstruction, make an appointment with a doctor right now and consult.
Treatment of intestinal obstruction with medical methods
If you see symptoms of intestinal obstruction, you should see a doctor immediately. If you do not know what the symptoms of intestinal obstruction are, we suggest you read the article What is intestinal obstruction. The solutions that may be recommended by the doctor to treat this condition include the following:
1. Treatment of intestinal obstruction with surgery
The question whether intestinal obstruction needs surgery or not is raised by many patients. In response, it should be said that surgery is usually recommended for complete intestinal obstruction and is performed in two ways:
- The doctor removes the adhesions or tumors that caused the obstruction.
- In rare cases, the doctor removes the damaged parts of the intestine from the body.
2. Conservative Treatments
If the bowel obstruction is caused by swelling, inflammation, or hard stools, your doctor may try conservative treatments before surgery. These options are used when the patient is medically stable. Among the most important conservative treatments, the following can be mentioned:
- Injection of medicine and fluids to maintain water and electrolyte balance, reduce nausea and increase bowel movements
- Enema to empty the bowel
- Using a nasogastric tube to suction waste, reduce gas and reduce swelling
- Placing a tube in the colon to remove fluid and gas and reduce inflammation
Stents are sometimes used to help treat intestinal obstruction; A net-like tube that is inserted into the intestine through an endoscope and keeps it open. Stents are mostly used for people with colon cancer or those for whom emergency surgery is dangerous. After stabilizing the patient's condition, surgery may still be needed.
Doctors try to help control the symptoms of intestinal obstruction by injecting medicine and fluids.What is good for intestinal obstruction?
Remember that home remedies are never a substitute for medical treatment, they are only complementary. After evaluating the situation by the doctor and receiving basic instructions, you can use the following methods to improve your symptoms:
1. Bowel Obstruction Home Remedies
The following methods are helpful in controlling symptoms:
- Rest: Complete rest is vital. Because intense physical activity can aggravate the symptoms. Sometimes, if approved by the doctor, a short and quiet walk at home increases the movements of the digestive system. But intense exercise should be avoided.
- Keeping the body hydrated: If the doctor has not restricted the intake of fluids, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day. Since excessive fluid intake may worsen abdominal swelling, ask your doctor about this.
- Warm compress: Applying a heating pad to the abdomen is helpful to relieve cramping and pain and help relax the abdominal muscles. Use a heat pad for a short time to avoid skin irritation.
2. Treating Intestinal Obstruction With Dietary Changes
If you want to know what is good for intestinal obstruction, we must say that a diet of clear liquids is usually the first recommendation for treating this disease. After that, depending on your condition, you can use a full liquid diet and a soft diet and gradually return to a normal diet. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Type of dietAllowed foodsBenefitsFluid dietWater, chicken broth, strained apple juice, sports drinks, ice cubes, and tea These foods help provide fluids and electrolytes needed by the body without leaving a residue in the digestive tract.Fluid diet Complete: All smooth liquids, milk, plain yogurt, pureed fruits (without skin and seeds) and cooked and refined grains such as rice glaze. These foods are easily digested in the digestive system and provide more nutrients and calories to the body. Simple, eggs and lean meats and minced meat, these foods do not put much pressure on the digestive system and minimize the volume of feces.Harmful foods for intestinal obstruction
Consumption of the following foods aggravates the symptoms of the disease and worsens the obstruction:
- High-fiber foods: Whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes can increase the volume of stool and aggravate the obstruction.
- Fatty and fried foods: These foods are difficult to eat. They are digested in the digestive system and slow down the emptying of the stomach.
- Red meat and hard proteins: These foods put a lot of pressure on the digestive system.
- Fizzy drinks: The gas in these drinks can increase the swelling of the stomach.
- Alcohol and caffeine: These substances cause dehydration and irritate the digestive system. They irritate.
Other dietary recommendations
If you have partial intestinal obstruction, gastroenterology may recommend the following:
Eating foods rich in soluble fiberSoluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance that softens the stool. The best sources include applesauce, mashed bananas, cooked and mashed vegetables (such as sweet potatoes and carrots), and oatmeal. It is very important that these foods are cooked and consumed in small amounts. Insoluble fiber found in raw vegetables, whole grains, and nuts is generally not recommended for intestinal obstruction. Because it can increase the volume of feces and worsen the obstruction.
Use of probioticsProbiotics are beneficial bacteria that are present in some foods such as yogurt and kefir and nutritional supplements and support intestinal health. In some cases, the use of probiotics after the blockage has been cleared may help restore the gut microbiome or be beneficial to support gastrointestinal function. However, at the time of intestinal obstruction, you should use them under the supervision of a doctor to avoid possible side effects. The following changes can prevent stool hardening and help treat intestinal obstruction:
- Eat small, frequent meals: Eat one small meal every three hours instead of three main meals.
- Eat slowly: Chewing food thoroughly before swallowing makes it easier to digest and pass through the intestines.
- Sit while eating. Eating: Eating while bent over or lying down slows bowel movements and worsens the obstruction.
- Avoid habits that cause gas accumulation: Chewing gum, drinking liquids through a straw, and consuming carbonated beverages can increase intestinal gas and aggravate pain.
3. Relieving intestinal obstruction with herbal medicine
While medical treatment is vital for intestinal obstruction, some people use herbal remedies or other alternative methods to resolve the problem. Peppermint, ginger and chamomile have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and may be useful for reducing abdominal cramps and controlling nausea.
Be sure to consult your doctor before trying these herbs in tea or supplement form. Because they may interact with other drugs or make the disease worse in some cases. Also, never use stimulant laxatives such as senna leaves during blockage.
Because they may cause severe spasm and worsen the situation.4. Improving bowel obstruction with exercise
Regular physical activity is essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Even light to moderate exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming can stimulate bowel movements and reduce the likelihood of constipation, which is one of the causes of bowel obstruction. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on most days of the week. Of course, it is better to determine the amount and intensity of exercise according to your health condition and by a doctor.
5. Quick Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction with Massage
Sometimes gently massaging the abdomen with clockwise circular motions can stimulate bowel activity and reduce symptoms caused by partial obstruction. This technique should be performed with complete caution and should be stopped immediately if pain or discomfort increases. Before massaging the abdomen, especially if you have severe pain or do not know the cause of the blockage, be sure to visit online gastroenterology and liver specialist visit. Managing stress and its connection to bowel obstruction
Severe stress may affect bowel movements and lead to digestive problems including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Using stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga or being in nature can calm the nervous system and improve bowel function.
Controlling stress with the help of meditation prevents bowel problems from getting worse.7. Treatment of intestinal obstruction with traditional Islamic medicine
In traditional medicine, various natural compounds have been suggested to help improve the movements of the digestive system and treat partial intestinal obstruction, which include:
- Figs: It is a natural laxative that is considered an ideal option for treating constipation.
- Bukhara plum: It helps regulate bowel movements and eliminates constipation.
- Olive oil: softens the stool and facilitates bowel movements.
- Romanian anise: is effective in reducing bloating and improving the function of the digestive system.
- Roses: has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and helps relieve intestinal discomfort.
Some traditional medicine experts use cow bile to The form of poultice or enema is effective in improving intestinal obstruction and reducing the need for surgery. However, more research needs to be done in this area.
Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction in Children
Obstruction can prevent the normal movement of gas, liquid or food in the intestine. Children with this condition experience symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps and constipation, and in rare cases, diarrhea. A complete bowel obstruction requires hospitalization, and the child may need surgery.
Care after surgery
If your child has had surgery, you should take good care of him at home to speed up the recovery process. In this regard, it is recommended:
- See the doctor at regular intervals or call the doctor in case of problems.
- Give the medicine to the child exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- If the doctor has prescribed antibiotics for your child, complete the course of treatment and do not stop taking the medicine at the first signs of improvement.
- When the child is tired, let him rest.
Other points you should know about post-surgery care are:
- If the doctor allows, the child can shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. After that, dry the incision area gently.
- For the first 2 weeks or until the doctor allows, the child should not use the tub for bathing.
- After surgery, appetite may be low. Start with small amounts when your child is willing to eat.
Does intestinal obstruction require surgery?
Intestinal obstruction may develop suddenly (acute) or gradually over time (chronic). Doctors resort to surgery only when necessary. But in emergency situations or when the intestine is completely blocked, surgery is necessary. In this situation, surgery helps to save the large or small intestine and prevents dangerous complications. These complications include:
- Permanent damage to the intestine
- Blood supply problems to the intestine
- Necrosis (tissue death) of the intestine
- Bleeding or leakage from the intestine
- Disorder of fluids and electrolytes
The above effects can lead to serious problems such as hypotension, organ failure or even death.
Final Word
If you see symptoms of intestinal obstruction, seek treatment immediately. Unfortunately, many people endure the pain and do not call a doctor in time. But when it comes to intestinal obstruction, putting up with the pain or self-medicating is not the right choice. Especially if you have a history of abdominal surgery or suffer from diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that increase the possibility of intestinal obstruction, it is necessary to see a doctor quickly.
To learn more about the symptoms and ways to treat intestinal obstruction, you can take time from the specialists of Mankade and consult them in person or online. This consultation can include a detailed examination of the symptoms, diagnosis of the cause of the obstruction, and the best treatment method to prevent serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can intestinal obstruction be treated?Yes. Most people with intestinal obstruction get better after treatment. But if you do not treat it in time, you may suffer serious complications.
This disease can lead to life-threatening problems. Among its most important complications, we can mention the rupture of the intestine and leakage of its contents into the abdominal cavity, infection and tissue death due to reduced blood supply to the intestine.
The doctor may use antiemetic drugs (anti-nausea) to control nausea and vomiting and painkillers to reduce pain.
Sources: mayoclinic | massivebio | massivebio | Doctor Alireza Rezaei
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