Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Intestinal Obstructions

Definition

Intestinal obstructions are a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine, resulting in failure of the contents of the intestine to pass through the bowel normally.

Description

Intestinal obstructions can occur in children as a result of congenital defects, with symptoms appearing any time between birth and adulthood. Abdominal pain and vomiting are the most frequent symptoms and a common cause of admission to emergency rooms. It is difficult for doctors to predict at birth which infants will suffer intestinal obstructions.

Intestinal obstructions can be mechanical or nonmechanical. Mechanical obstruction is...