Medical Guide to Bowel Obstruction Causes: Clinical Factors and Diagnostic Considerations

By  Dr. Ritha Belizaire

Quick Insights

What causes a bowel obstruction depends on whether it affects the small or large intestine, with adhesions from previous abdominal surgery being the most common cause in small bowel obstructions. Other frequent causes include hernias, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, volvulus (intestinal twisting), and impacted stool, particularly in elderly patients. Early recognition of bowel obstruction symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool is essential for prompt medical treatment and prevention of serious complications.

Key Takeaways

• Scar tissue from prior surgery is the leading cause of small bowel obstruction in adults.
• Colorectal cancer can trigger a blockage, especially in older adults or those with new digestive changes.
• Eating certain foods that cause bowel obstruction may increase the risk if you have a history of bowel narrowing.
• Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and the risk of permanent bowel damage.

Why It Matters

Understanding what causes a bowel obstruction helps you recognize urgent symptoms, take action early, and avoid unnecessary worry. Fast, informed care means a greater chance of full recovery—so you can return to your everyday life with confidence and peace of mind.

Introduction

As a board-certified colorectal surgeon, I know firsthand how frightening the words "bowel obstruction" can sound—especially if you're already anxious about your symptoms.

A bowel obstruction occurs when part of your intestine becomes blocked, preventing food and waste from moving through normally. It's a serious condition that can happen for many reasons, from scar tissue after surgery to tumors or even certain foods.

For Houston-area patients, the right answer to "what causes a bowel obstruction?" goes beyond medical facts—it's also about comfort, dignity, and getting back to daily life. Athletes, busy professionals, and caregivers alike can experience this problem. In fact, research shows that scar tissue (adhesions) and hernias cause most small bowel obstructions, while colorectal cancer is a major cause in adults over 50.

If your bowels have staged a protest lately, don't ignore the signs—early, expert care makes a real difference in your outcome and peace of mind.

What Is a Bowel Obstruction?

A bowel obstruction (intestinal blockage) occurs when something blocks the normal flow of food, fluid, and gas through your intestines. This blockage can affect either the small intestine or the colon. In cases of complete obstruction, nothing can pass through; with a partial obstruction, some material can get through, but it's insufficient for smooth digestion.

In my practice, I frequently see these obstructions develop both suddenly and over time. The main culprits are often scar tissue from previous surgeries, hernias, and tumors. In some cases, the bowel may stop moving due to nerve or muscle issues, which is referred to as a functional obstruction or "ileus."

If you imagine a traffic jam in your gut, that's a fairly accurate comparison. Food, fluid, and gas accumulate behind the blockage, leading to swelling, pain, and sometimes vomiting. Without treatment, pressure can escalate to perilous levels, compromising blood flow and potentially causing permanent damage.

Distinguishing between a simple stomachache and a genuine obstruction is crucial. As I advise my patients: if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or are unable to pass gas or stool, it's time to seek medical attention.

Let's dive into the most common causes next.

What Causes a Bowel Obstruction?

Common causes of bowel obstruction include:

• Adhesions: Scar tissue from prior surgery sticking loops of bowel together.
• Hernias: Part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
• Tumors: Benign or cancerous growths, notably colorectal cancer.
• Inflammatory strictures: Narrowing from Crohn's disease or past infections.
• Volvulus: Twisting of the intestine.
• Intussusception: One part of the bowel slides into another, like a telescope.
• Impacted stool or foreign objects: Often found in older adults or children.

Research indicates that adhesions are the predominant cause of small bowel obstruction, particularly resulting from previous abdominal surgeries. Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of large bowel obstruction, especially in those over 50.

Mechanical vs. Functional Obstruction

Mechanical obstruction refers to a physical blockage, akin to a roadblock in your intestines, often caused by adhesions, tumors, or hernias. Functional obstruction, or "ileus," involves the bowel halting its movement due to nerve or muscle problems rather than a physical block.

Postoperative patients often experience mechanical causes of gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as adhesions or obstructions. Functional issues, including ileus, are also prevalent, particularly in those recovering from major surgeries, suffering from severe illnesses, or taking medications like opioids and anticholinergics.

Major Risk Factors

Your risk of bowel obstruction increases if you have:

• A history of abdominal or pelvic surgery (due to adhesions)
• Hernias (particularly if they haven't been repaired)
• Colorectal cancer or a family history of gastrointestinal cancers
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's)
• Prior radiation therapy to the abdomen

Even a single abdominal surgery can pave the way for future blockages, so a detailed surgical history is essential in my evaluations.

Less Common Causes

Less frequent causes include:

• Congenital defects: Present from birth.
• Gallstones entering the bowel: Referred to as gallstone ileus.
• Swallowed objects: Primarily in children.
• Severe constipation or impacted stool.

These rare causes can pose major problems if unrecognized. An open-minded approach is crucial when assessing unusual cases.

Common Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction

Symptoms of bowel obstruction can come on gradually or hit you suddenly. The classic signs include:

• Crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes.
• Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
• Nausea and vomiting, which may have a foul odor.
• Inability to pass gas or stool.
• Absent or high-pitched bowel sounds upon examination.

Symptoms can differ based on the blockage site. Small bowel obstructions induce more vomiting, while large bowel obstructions may cause more bloating and constipation.

Many of my patients attempt to "wait out" their symptoms, hoping they resolve on their own. If you face severe pain, lasting vomiting, or cannot pass gas, prompt action is needed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Inability to pass gas or stool.

Contact a physician immediately, as these could indicate a dangerous blockage requiring urgent care.

Foods That Can Cause or Worsen a Bowel Obstruction

Let's discuss food—the good, the bad, and the potentially risky. Typically, a high-fiber diet is beneficial. However, if you have a history of bowel narrowing, strictures, or prior obstructions, certain foods may cause issues.

High-Risk Foods for Patients with a History of Obstruction

For those prone to intestinal narrowing, it is advisable to be cautious with:

• Raw vegetables (particularly celery, cabbage, and corn).
• Popcorn and nuts.
• Dried fruits (like raisins or apricots).
• Tough meats or sausage casings.
• Seeds and fruit skins.

These foods can bunch together and become stuck, especially if your bowel is already narrowed. Literature recommends low-residue (low-fiber) diets for at-risk patients to mitigate the risk of blockage.

Dietary Tips for Prevention

Advice I give to my patients includes:

• Thoroughly chewing food—consider it pre-digesting.
• Staying hydrated to maintain digestive flow.
• If you've had an obstruction, favor cooked, soft foods, and avoid high-fiber roughage.
• Introducing new foods slowly and observing for symptoms.

I've observed significant improvement among patients by implementing simple dietary changes.

Can certain foods cause a bowel obstruction?

Yes—patients with bowel narrowing history might increase their risk with high-fiber foods like raw veggies, nuts, and dried fruit. Low-residue diets might be safer for at-risk individuals.

How Dr. Ritha Belizaire Approaches Bowel Obstruction

If you arrive at my office suspecting an obstruction, I understand the anxiety, discomfort, and possible embarrassment you might feel. My primary objective is to listen—free from judgment, simply to provide answers.

Personalized Diagnosis in Houston

My process starts with a comprehensive history and a gentle physical exam. Imaging, particularly CT scans, is invaluable for confirming the diagnosis and identifying the cause. CT imaging is deemed a gold standard for assessing bowel obstruction and deciding treatment approaches.

If you've had past colorectal surgery, I pay meticulous attention to adhesion risks. Approximately 10% of colorectal surgeries lead to adhesive obstructions.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Where feasible, I employ minimally invasive techniques to alleviate obstructions. This often starts with IV fluids, electrolyte replenishment, and sometimes a nasogastric tube to relieve the bowel. Many partial obstructions can resolve without surgery.

If surgery is necessary, I conduct laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures to minimize recovery time and discomfort. For cancer-related blockages, I orchestrate care to address both the obstruction and the underlying tumor.

After years of practice as a colorectal surgeon with specialized colorectal care, I've found early intervention and a patient-oriented approach to be transformative. My aim is always to restore you to good health—swiftly, comfortably, and with dignity.

How is a bowel obstruction diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is established through history, examination, and imaging (usually a CT scan). Treatment involves fluids, bowel rest, and sometimes surgery, depending on the cause and severity.

What Our Patients Say on Google

Patient experiences are at the heart of everything I do as a colorectal surgeon. When someone walks through my door worried about a possible bowel obstruction, I know how much trust it takes to seek help—and how important it is to feel heard and cared for.

I recently received feedback that captures what we aim to provide for every patient, especially when urgent answers are needed:

"Dr. Ritha had me come in to her medical practice office as new patient within two hours. She was very kind, humble, listened to my medical problem and acted fast to diagnose my medical problem. She makes you very comfortable and describes the process and procedures you need. Very knowledgeable and very sharp. Her office location next to imaging center, where I was able to do cat scan within two hours after seeing her. Amazing doctor." — Wally

You can read more Google reviews here: Google Reviews.

Hearing this kind of feedback reminds me why timely, compassionate care matters—especially when facing something as urgent as a bowel obstruction.

Bowel Obstruction Care in Houston

Living in Houston means you have access to world-class medical care, but it also means navigating a busy city when you're not feeling your best. That's why I've designed my practice to offer same-day and next-day appointments, right here in Houston, with a location conveniently next to a major imaging center for rapid diagnosis.

Houston's diverse population brings a wide range of digestive health needs, and I see patients from all walks of life—athletes, professionals, and caregivers alike. Our city's vibrant food scene is a joy, but it can also present unique dietary challenges for those with a history of bowel narrowing or prior surgeries.

If you're in Houston and worried about symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in your bowel habits, don't wait for things to get worse. As a board-certified colorectal surgeon, I'm committed to providing fast, expert answers and minimally invasive solutions—so you can get back to enjoying everything Houston has to offer.

Call 832-979-5670 to schedule a same-day consultation at Houston Community Surgical. If you're outside the area, virtual second opinions are available at www.2ndscope.com—because expert help should always be within reach.

Conclusion

When it comes to what causes a bowel obstruction, the answer is rarely simple—but it's always important. In summary, most obstructions stem from scar tissue after surgery, hernias, or tumors, and even a small blockage can quickly become a big problem if ignored.

Malignant obstructions, while less common, still account for up to 20% of cases and require prompt, specialized care. Recent clinical research highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term complications and restore your quality of life.

As a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, I help Houston patients feel comfortable discussing even the most sensitive symptoms. My approach combines advanced procedures—like Axonics sacral neuromodulation and minimally invasive surgery—with a focus on compassion, dignity, and fast access.

If you're experiencing symptoms, don't wait. Call my office at 832-979-5670 for a same-day or next-day appointment in Houston. Not local? I also offer virtual second opinions at www.2ndscope.com—so you can stop missing out on life's moments and get back to feeling like yourself.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a bowel obstruction, and who is most at risk?

A bowel obstruction is most often caused by scar tissue from previous surgeries, hernias, or tumors such as colorectal cancer. People with a history of abdominal surgery, chronic constipation, or inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk. Early recognition and treatment are key to preventing serious complications and improving outcomes.

Where can I find expert bowel obstruction care in Houston?

You can find specialized bowel obstruction care at my Houston office, where I offer same-day and next-day appointments. My practice is conveniently located next to a major imaging center for rapid diagnosis. For those outside Houston, I provide virtual second opinions to ensure you get expert guidance no matter where you are.

How do you help patients feel comfortable during sensitive colorectal exams and treatments?

I understand that discussing and treating colorectal issues can be embarrassing or stressful. I offer a welcoming, judgment-free environment and use options like nitrous oxide for in-office procedures to ease anxiety. My goal is to help you feel respected, informed, and confident every step of the way.

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