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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIf left untreated, intestinal obstruction can cause serious, life-threatening complications. As your intestine becomes congested, its ability to absorb food and fluids decreases. Decreased absorption may cause vomiting, dehydration and, eventually, can result in shock, which may cause kidney failure.
Intestinal obstruction can also cut off the blood supply to the affected portion of your intestine. If left untreated, lack of blood causes the intestinal wall to die. Tissue death can result in a tear (perforation) in the intestinal wall, which can lead to peritonitis, an infection of the lining of your abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical and surgical attention. Signs and symptoms of peritonitis include:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Thirst
- Low urine output
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas
Peritonitis may cause you to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of shock include:
- Cool, clammy skin that may be pale or gray
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Abnormal breathing that may be either slow and shallow or very rapid
- Dilated pupils in the eyes
- Lackluster eyes that seem to stare
A person who is in shock may be conscious or unconscious. Shock is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical care.
