A bowel obstruction is characterized by an inability to defecate properly. The urge to defecate is typically present, but something is blocking the stool from exiting the anus. Patients with a bowel obstruction may also experience:

• Abdominal pain. Pain is associated with both small and large intestinal obstructions. The pain tends to start suddenly in small intestine obstruction and more gradually in large intestine obstruction. However, pain may be severe if the blood supply is cut off to any part of the intestines. This is called a strangulating obstruction and requires emergency medical treatment.
  
  
• Diarrhea (only during a partial obstruction), sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal bleeding which may be indicated by bloody stools.
  
  
• Halitosis (bad breath). A bowel obstruction can cause the breath to smell like feces.

Other signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction include fever, abdominal distention (swelling), nausea and vomiting, bloating, constipation and loss of appetite.

A bowel obstruction is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Patients experiencing any signs or symptoms indicative of an intestinal obstruction should promptly contact their physician for a health evaluation.