MedlinePlus Health Topics

Last uploaded: March 22, 2026
Id http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MEDLINEPLUS/C0021843
http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MEDLINEPLUS/C0021843
Preferred Name

Bowel Obstruction

Definitions
<p>An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bowelmovement.html">stool</a> cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. There are many causes. The most common are <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/adhesions.html">adhesions</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/hernia.html">hernias</a>, cancers, and certain medicines. </p> <p>Symptoms include:</p><ul> <li>Severe abdominal pain or cramping </li> <li>Vomiting </li> <li>Bloating </li> <li>Loud bowel sounds </li> <li>Swelling of the abdomen </li> <li>Inability to pass gas </li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/constipation.html">Constipation</a></li> </ul> <p>A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency. It often requires surgery.</p> <p class="">NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</p>
Synonyms
Bowel obstruction
Intestinal Obstruction
Type http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class
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