Adhesions are fibrous bands or scars that affect the small intestine. They result from prolonged infection, prolonged inflammation, or may follow surgery. The scar tissue can disrupt the rhythmic contractions that move partially digested food through the intestine. Spasmodic pain may arise and the intestine may become obstructed.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
- Crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Inability to have a bowel movement or to pass gas
- Swelling of the abdomen
Untreated intestinal obstructions can cause serious, life-threatening complications, such as tissue death and infection. Intestinal obstruction can cut off blood supply to part of the intestine and the lack of blood causes the intestinal wall to die. Tissue death can result in a tear in the intestinal wall, which can lead to infection.
Self Help
If you have a partial obstruction, which some food and fluid can still get through, your doctor may recommend a special low-fiber diet that is easier for your partially blocked intestine to process. If the obstruction does not clear on its own, you may need surgery to relieve the obstruction.
Western Treatments
Exploratory or laparoscopic surgery can remove the adhesions, but recurrence is common. Herbs may be helpful in resolving the scar tissue and obstruction, as in regulating intestinal function. If you do decide to undergo such therapy, you should be supervised by a health professional.
A Case Study in TCM Treatment
A 43-year-old woman who had undergone surgery for adhesions of the colon experienced severe abdominal pain and constipation following the procedure. A traditional Chinese diagnosis found that her pulse was sinking, wiry and her tongue was dry.
It was recommended the patient take an herbal mixture containing salvia root, lonicera flower, ilex root, gingko leaf extract and other choice herbs three times daily. After two weeks, the patient had significantly less pain and constipation.