Intestinal Obstruction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Intestinal Obstruction?
A surgeon (a doctor who operates) usually treats intestinal obstruction. A gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats the gut) may help too. A complete blockage is a medical emergency. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is intestinal obstruction?
An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or stool cannot move through the intestines. The blockage can be complete or partial. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it. It is also called bowel obstruction.
A mechanical cause means something is partly or fully blocking the bowel. With ileus, the bowel does not work well, but no structural problem causes the blockage.
Symptoms
Symptoms include severe belly pain or cramping. Vomiting and bloating are also signs.
- Swelling of the abdomen (belly)
- Inability to pass gas
- Constipation
Other symptoms may include abdominal fullness, gas, breath odor, diarrhea, and nausea.
Causes and who gets it
The most common causes are adhesions, hernias, cancers, and certain medicines. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form after surgery. Tumors can block the intestines. A volvulus is a twisted intestine. Intussusception is when one part of the bowel slides into another.
Other mechanical causes include swallowed objects and impacted stool. Paralytic ileus is a major cause of blockage in infants and children. Paralytic ileus may be caused by abdominal surgery. Infections inside the abdomen, such as appendicitis, can also cause it. Kidney or lung disease can cause it. So can certain medicines, especially narcotics.
How doctors diagnose it
During a physical exam, the provider may find bloating or tenderness in the belly. Tests that show a blockage include a belly CT scan, a belly x-ray, and a barium enema. An upper GI and small bowel series is also used.
Treatment
A partial small bowel blockage with no complications can be managed with bowel rest (nothing by mouth). Doctors also use IV fluids and an NG tube. An NG tube goes through the nose into the stomach. It suctions out fluid and gas. This helps to relieve abdominal swelling and vomiting. A twisted large bowel may be treated with a tube passed into the rectum.
Surgery may be needed to relieve the obstruction if the tube does not relieve the symptoms. It may also be needed if there are signs of tissue death. If a tumor is causing the blockage, surgery may be needed. A blockage from swelling, as in Crohn disease, may be treated with surgery, a way to widen the narrow area, or medicine. A complete blockage often requires surgery.
The outcome depends on the cause of the blockage. Most of the time, the cause is successfully treated.
When to see a doctor
A complete blockage is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain or pressure, severe or nonstop vomiting, or you are vomiting blood. Go also if you cannot pass stool or gas, most of all with a swollen belly. This can mean a complete blockage. Call your provider if your swollen belly does not go away. Call too if you have belly pain with no known cause that does not go away.
A blockage that cuts off blood to the intestine may cause infection and tissue death. A hernia, volvulus, or intussusception carries a higher risk of tissue death. Other problems that can follow are dehydration, a hole (perforation) in the intestine, and infection.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can do a physical exam, which may find bloating or tenderness. A complete blockage is a medical emergency, so go to the emergency room if you think you have one.
Common questions
Is an intestinal obstruction an emergency?
A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency. It often requires surgery.
What is the difference between a blockage and ileus?
With ileus, the bowel does not work well, but no structural problem causes the blockage. A mechanical cause means something is partly or fully blocking the bowel.
Can intestinal obstruction be prevented?
Not always. Prevention depends on the cause. Treating conditions, such as tumors and hernias that can lead to a blockage, may reduce your risk. Some causes of obstruction cannot be prevented.
Which tests find an intestinal obstruction?
Tests that show a blockage include a belly CT scan, a belly x-ray, and a barium enema. An upper GI and small bowel series is also used.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
