The causes of intestinal blockage Essay

I chose intestinal Blockage which is part of the digestive system. It's a disorder that completely or partially blocks or hinders the passage of intestinal content. Intestinal blockage can be anywhere between the small and large intestine and is where the lining becomes swollen and inflamed due to a blockage of some kind which may completely or partially stop the flow of the contents within the intestines.
The intestines are responsible for breaking down and absorbing the nutrients from the materials we take into our bodies, this is how intestinal blockage is part of the digestive system. But the infections associated with this disorder can affect the immune system and overall health of a person, including causing emotional complications. The body can become week and its ability to fight other ailments can become reduced.
The causes of intestinal blockage can vary. In infants, birth defects are the most common cause but sometimes, meconium can actually be the reason for infants to have intestinal blockage. In adults, scar tissues, hernias, adhesions, and oratelescoping of one segment of intestine into another, AKA intussusception, can also be a cause of intestinal blockage. If a section of the intestines is completely blocked off, nothing can get through, this can cause the other side to die from lack of oxygen and liquid as well as cause intestinal rupture. This can cause food, fluids, gastric acids, and gas to leak into the abdominal cavity.
An obstruction can cut off blood supply to the intestines. They call this strangulation. In 10-20% of people with obstruction, it occurs in the small intestine. Gangrene can develop within 6 hours of blockage. At this point, the intestinal walls die, usually causing a rupture which leads to peritonitis, shock, and if left untreated, even death can occur. When a rupture occurs, the fluid and substance from the intestines can leak out causing inflammation and infection in the abdominal cavity. The treatment is usually suction with a nasogastric tube, IV fluids, surgery for strangulation, and sometimes, a colostomy.
Patients may experience abdominal cramping, pain, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, or constipation. To diagnose this complication, x-rays, Dr. exams, and a CT scan are used. To prevent this complication, regular exams, paying attention to regular bowel movements, and keeping a good amount of fiber in one's system are strongly suggested. However, sometimes this disorder is unpreventable. Some patients have issues with eating inedible materials.
In the end, without treatment, death, a rather painful agonizing death, is most likely to follow. As a medical professional, the more I know, the more I can help my co-workers and my patients. If something was to happen with a family member of mine, the more I learn, the better I might be able to help my family. This information can also help me to understand why a physician is choosing whatever path he is choosing as far as treatment goes. This can help a nurse or MA to console a scared or upset patient or family member.