Intestinal Obstruction (Blocked Food Pipe)

What is a Blocked Food Pipe?

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A blocked food pipe is a condition that occurs when the food pipe is blocked leading to the stoppage of the free movement of food, water, and air. It is a surgical emergency and could happen right from when a baby is born till in adulthood. It is important to note that not all blocked food pipe is fixed by surgery. Some are fixed by other care, depending on the cause of the blockage.

SYMPTOMS OF BLOCKED FOOD PIPE

Some of the symptoms of a blocked food pipe are:

Severe abdominal pain

Abdominal swelling

Vomiting

Constipation

Loss of appetite

Inability to pass gas, and

Fever

CAUSES OF BLOCKED FOOD PIPE

Some common causes of blocked food pipes are:

Hard stool in the food pipe

Swelling within the food pipe

Twisting of the food pipe

Malformation of the food pipe

Cancer within the food pipe

Swallowed objects, and

Complicated abdominal surgery

COMPLICATIONS OF BLOCKED FOOD PIPE

Complications could arise if the obstruction of the food pipe is not relieved on time. Some of these complications are:

Severe dehydration

Bursting of the food pipe

Imbalance of chemicals in the body

Life-threatening blood infection

Kidney failure, and

Death

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN IT OCCURS

In the context of the symptoms of a blocked food pipe, all food and fluids should be withheld. The individual should be rushed to a competent hospital. On arrival, the Patient will be made stable, and a series of tests will be carried out to be sure the symptoms are from the blockage of the food pipe, and to know exactly what is blocking it. This will determine whether surgery would fix it, or other forms of care.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a blocked food pipe is a surgical emergency, and should be presented to a good hospital at the onset of the symptoms. Poor management or failure to present to a hospital could result in the ultimate death of the Patient.