Bowel infarction, also known as gangrenous bowel or Intestinal Ischemia, is an injury caused to the intestine when the blood supply to the organ is low. It leads to multiple problems like perforation or sepsis which can become life-threatening.
The blockage to the blood supply can be acute or chronic. The patient has severe pain episodes which are unrelenting in acute infarction. Chronic ischemia is marked by intermittent episodes of pain.
Symptoms of Bowel Infarction
Bowel infarction might sound like an issue with difficulty identifying symptoms, but the disorder also gives an individual a red flag to take action before it’s too late. Mentioned below are some of the bowel infarction symptoms one needs to understand to start medication immediately:
Sudden Abdominal Pain- Bowel infarction is when the intestines cannot get blood flow for longer. As a result, it results in abdominal pain. The initial stage involves mild stomach cramps, but if neglected, the situation can worsen and result in a severe stomachache. Hence, any stomach ache which is not improving, get a medical checkup done immediately.
Bleeding while Passing Stool– This is another symptom of bowel infarction. The affected individual might find blood while passing stool. The disorder leads to the clotting of blood vessels with resultant mucosal loss and bleeding. Hence, the affected individual passes stool with blood. The condition is usually accompanied by severe abdominal pain.
Other Associated symptoms-Low blood pressure, fever and non passage of stools and flatus are other symptoms of the condition
Causes of Bowel Infarction
Depending on the patient’s condition, there can be several causes of bowel infarction. Mentioned below are some of the highest observed bowel infarction causes:
Hernia: An irreducible hernia can sometimes get strangled by the constricting effect of the hernial opening which leads to blockage of the blood supply to the intestines. It leads to low blood flow in the intestines for a longer period. Blood flow of the intestines can also be stopped due to the intestines moving in the wrong place or tangling and twisting(internal Hernia). Such situations create a blockage for the proper flow of blood into the intestines, becoming one of the major reasons for bowel infarction.
Embolus– Blockage of arteries due to blood clots is also one of the causes of bowel infarction causes. People who had a heart attack or any other cardiovascular issue in the past are more prone to facing such situations.
Narrow Arteries– The narrowing of arteries supplying blood from the heart to the intestines can cause bowel infarction. The same procedure, when observed in the case of arteries of the heart, results in a heart attack. It happens due to cholesterol buildup in the arteries making it difficult for the blood to flow.
Low Blood Pressure: People with low blood pressure might observe severe symptoms of bowel infarction. Low blood pressure and narrow arteries immediately lower blood flow, resulting in this problem. People with past medical issues are also at higher risk in such situations.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bowel Infarction
Mentioned below are some of the diagnostic steps usually followed to identify the root cause of bowel infarction:
CT Angiography of the Abdomen- It is the prime investigation for the diagnosis of bowel infarction. The scan in such a scenario shows blocked blood vessels and non enhancing walls of the intestines.
Conventional Angiography: Angiography is another way to find out the problematic areas of the intestine in case of bowel infarction. The tests help to identify the blood vessels with partial or no blood flow. It also helps in treatment of the blockages.
Treatment Measures to Cure Bowel Infarction
Mentioned below are some of the treatment options followed to cure the disorder:
Intravenous Fluids
Blood Thinners
Oxygen Supply
Medications
Surgery
The treatment options are developed to limit and reverse the effects of bowel infarction. Medications are prescribed to manage symptoms of bowel infarction. Pain medications, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, may be used to provide relief from cramps and discomfort. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, blood thinners, such as anticoagulants, may be prescribed to help prevent the recurrence of the condition.
Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases especially acute ones, mainly when bowel infarction has led to developing conditions such as a fistula or abdominal abscess.The affected bowel requires to be removed . If possible a joint is made during the primary surgery else the intestine is exteriorized(stoma) which may be closed at a later date.
Such patients are usually sick and require ICU management.
Conclusion
Bowel infarction occurs in the affected intestine due to a low blood supply. Therefore, the signs and symptoms might not be identifiable in the initial stages. But, one should immediately consult a doctor in case of severe symptoms before the situation worsens.
FAQs
Q. What is bowel infarction?
A. Low blood flow to the intestines due to injury in the arteries carrying the blood is known as bowel infarction or gangrenous bowel.
Q. What are the symptoms of bowel infarction?
A. Symptoms of bowel infarction include vomiting, severe abdominal pain, passing of stools with blood, nausea, fatigue, confusion in elders, and various similar issues.
Q. Can bowel infarction be fatal?
A. If symptoms are neglected and not treated at the proper time, the situation can worsen and may lead to the unfortunate death of the affected individual. Hence, it is recommended to consult a doctor in the initial stages to avoid worsening the situation.
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