| umls-concept:C0021843 | skos:definition | MSH: Any impairment, arrest, or reversal of the normal flow of INTESTINAL CONTENTS toward the ANAL CANAL.,CSP: any impairment, arrest, or reversal of the normal flow of intestinal contents toward the anus.,MEDLINEPLUS: <p>An intestinal obstruction occurs when food or <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bowelmovement.html'>stool</a> cannot move through the intestines. The obstruction can be complete or partial. There are many causes. The most common are <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/adhesions.html'>adhesions</a>, <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hernia.html'>hernias</a>, cancers, and certain medicines. </p><p>Symptoms include</p><ul><li>Severe abdominal pain or cramping </li><li>Vomiting </li><li>Bloating </li><li>Loud bowel sounds </li><li>Swelling of the abdomen </li><li>Inability to pass gas </li><li><a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/constipation.html'>Constipation</a></li></ul><p>A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency. It often requires surgery.< | lld:umls |
