A blocked colon can occur for a wide range of different reasons, and the possible symptoms and side-effects of a blocked colon are, therefore, similarly wide and diverse. In some cases, the symptoms of a bowel blockage are very mild. The person who is suffering from a sluggish or dysfunctional colon may experience some discomfort, abdominal bloating and mild constipation. These effects of a blocked colon are very common, but some people will experience them more frequently than others, perhaps as a result of a poor diet.
In other cases, the symptoms and side-effects of a blocked colon can be more severe. These more serious effects can also occur as the result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, but they may also happen as a result of a more serious problem or disease. It can therefore be a good idea to consult with a doctor if you are experiencing any serious problems as a result of a blocked colon, or if the symptoms and side-effects persist for some time, or occur frequently.
An obstruction in the small intestine can result in abdominal pain or cramping. This typically occurs in intense waves of pain which occur between five and fifteen minutes apart. These waves may center in the navel or at a point above the navel, but below the ribcage. The pulse and breathing rate may increase during the episodes of pain or cramping. If the pain becomes constant, it can be a sign that something more serious has happened. Other symptoms of a blockage in the colon include bloating or tenderness of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and the cessation of any gas passing through the digestive system. Constipation can also occur.
The effects of a blockage in the small bowel can be similar to the symptoms experienced due to a colon or large intestine blockage, so it is easy to confuse them. The two types of blockage may also be connected to similar causes, so someone who has experienced a blockage in one part of their digestive system may also be prone to suffering from a similar blockage in the other part of their bowels.
A blockage in the large intestine can result in abdominal bloating, as with a small bowel blockage. There can also be pain or discomfort in the abdomen, although it will typically differ from the usual effects of a small intestine blockage. Large bowel blockages can result in a wide range of different types of pain in the abdomen, but they do not occur in the same waves as the pain which occurs when the small intestine is blocked. The pain which results from a blocked large intestine can be either sharp or vague, and it may be either severe or mild. The type of pain is generally determined by the cause of the blockage. Another common symptom is constipation. This can occur both at the time when the blockage happens, and intermittently during the months leading up to the actual obstruction. In some cases, however, there may be diarrhea, due to liquid passing around the obstruction. When a blockage is caused by a serious condition such as a tumor, there may also be a history of bleeding in the rectum or blood in the stool.
Certain side-effects affecting the rest of the body, outside of the digestive system, have also been linked to a blockage in the intestines. It is possible that the person whose bowels are blocked or dysfunctional may experience fatigue, tiredness and a lack of energy since their body’s ability to absorb nutrients through the walls of the intestines may be impaired. The functioning of the immune system can also be affected, and the person may be at a higher risk of developing colds and other illnesses. Headaches are another potential side-effect, and the skin may also be affected, breaking out in spots or becoming dry and unhealthy. Weight gain is another common side-effect of a blocked colon or bowel.