Blocked Duodenum Symptoms

A blocked duodenum is a pathology of the intestine requiring prompt medical care. The ailment is also referred to as a duodenal obstruction. The duodenum is located immediately after the stomach in the digestive tract, and is part of the small intestine. Its main function is to facilitate digestive enzymes. A variety of causes has been implicated in duodenal blockages, and the treatable illness has several distinct symptom groups.

Abdominal Pain

• Localized pain is common in patients with a blocked duodenum. The pain is localized around the navel, and may be intermittent or constant. Continuous severe pain may indicate strangulation of the duodenum, which is a medical emergency. According to eMedicine, changes in the quality of the pain may suggest the blockage has worsened.

Vomiting

• Vomiting can signify a variety of conditions, but vomiting is often implicated in duodenal obstruction. Green-colored vomiting points to bile release without digestion, and denotes a blockage near the stomach. This color is hallmark of a congenital intestinal malformation in infants, but can also occur in adults. The primary risk of emesis, or vomiting, is dehydration. Treatment may require fluids delivered intravenously.

Diarrhea and Constipation

• Diarrhea is symptomatic of a partially-obstructed duodenum. Slow digestion may occur and the necessary nutrients are not fully absorbed from food. Bloating, constipation and obstipation can cause abdominal distention and gas. Complete stoppage of bowel movements can occur with obstipation. A physician examining a patient may feel by palpation the undigested food in the stomach or increased fluid build-up.