What is an intestinal obstruction?
A person with an intestinal obstruction has a blockage in the intestine that does not allow food or stool to pass through the intestine. With treatment, most people with an intestinal obstruction recover completely.

What are the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction?
Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, abdominal tenderness, constipation, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

How does the doctor treat an intestinal obstruction?
Initial treatment for an intestinal obstruction is a nasogastric tube, which is inserted into the nostril, down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach. The tube is attached to a pump, which removes air and digested food. This relieves pressure that has built up behind the obstructed portion of the intestine. Most of the time, the obstruction resolves. Additional treatment for an intestinal obstruction may include intravenous fluids and pain medications. In some cases, colonoscopy or surgery may be required, in order to relieve the intestinal obstruction.