A blockage in the body can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location. Blockages prevent the normal flow of liquids, solids, or air, and this interruption can create pressure and pain. Identifying the location and cause of a blockage is key to treating it effectively.
What does a bowel blockage feel like?
A bowel obstruction or blockage prevents the normal movement of food and digestive juices through the intestines. This can create a buildup of pressure resulting in cramping, bloating, and abdominal pain. Vomiting may occur as the body tries to force the blockage through. Constipation is also common, with an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
Partial bowel blockages allow some food to get through, so symptoms may come and go. Complete blockages lead to intense pain that does not improve until the obstruction is removed.
Some characteristics of a bowel blockage include:
- Severe abdominal pain that comes in waves
- Cramping and bloating of the abdomen
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Feeling that the abdomen is swollen or full
A bowel obstruction is a medical emergency. Without treatment, it can lead to bowel perforation, infection, sepsis, and even death.
What causes a bowel blockage?
Common causes of bowel obstructions include:
- Adhesions or scar tissue from past surgery
- Hernias that compress the intestines
- Tumors blocking the bowel
- Volvulus or twisting of the intestines
- Intussusception where the intestine folds in on itself
- Impacted stool
- Foreign objects swallowed accidentally
What does a gallbladder blockage feel like?
Blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts is most often caused by gallstones. As bile builds up behind the obstruction, it can lead to right upper abdominal pain as the gallbladder swells. Gallbladder blockage may cause:
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen that can last several hours
- Pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice with yellowing of the skin and eyes as bilirubin builds up
These symptoms often arise after a fatty meal which stimulates the gallbladder to contract. The pain may be accompanied by chills, sweating, and tenderness over the gallbladder area just below the right ribcage.
What are the treatment options for a blocked gallbladder?
Treatments for a blocked gallbladder include:
- Pain medications and hydration
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to open the bile ducts
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) to drain bile from the liver
- Surgery to remove gallstones or the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
If left untreated, the backed up bile can lead to jaundice, gallbladder inflammation, sepsis, and other serious complications.
What does a kidney blockage feel like?
Blockage of the urinary tract prevents urine from draining out of the kidneys. This is known as a kidney obstruction. It often results from kidney stones but can also be caused by tumors, an enlarged prostate, injury, or congenital abnormalities.
Symptoms of a kidney blockage include:
- Intense pain on one side of the back just below the ribs
- Pain that comes in waves and may move from the back to the abdomen
- Painful urination
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
- Decreased urine output or inability to urinate at all
If both kidneys are blocked, urine can back up quickly leading to swelling, elevated creatinine levels, and even kidney failure.
How is a kidney blockage treated?
Relieving obstruction in the urinary tract involves:
- Pain control with medications
- Placement of a nephrostomy tube to drain urine from the kidney
- Lithotripsy to break up kidney stones
- Surgery to remove stones or obstruction
- Stent placement to open up the ureters
Left untreated, a kidney blockage can permanently damage kidney function. Prompt treatment helps preserve kidney health.
What does a salivary gland blockage feel like?
The salivary glands can become plugged by salivary stones, mucus, or external compression. This prevents saliva from draining properly. Blockage of the salivary glands may cause:
- Pain and swelling over the affected gland under the jaw, cheek, or below the tongue
- Discomfort when eating that improves with stimulation of saliva
- A swollen and tender salivary gland during an episode of obstruction
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Dry mouth from decreased saliva production
Salivary stones or sialoliths most commonly cause blockage of the submandibular gland under the jaw. Parotid gland stones can also occur in the cheek. These stones may cause pain that comes and goes when eating.
How is a blocked salivary gland managed?
Treatment options for blocked salivary glands include:
- Hydration and moist heat to encourage drainage
- Gentle gland massage during meals
- Sialogogues to stimulate saliva flow
- Sialendoscopy to open the duct and remove stones
- Shock wave lithotripsy to break up larger stones
- Surgery to remove salivary stones or damaged gland tissue
Proper treatment helps relieve symptoms and prevent chronic obstruction leading to infection and gland damage.
What does a blockage in the heart feel like?
Blockages can occur in the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack. A partial or complete blockage prevents oxygenated blood from reaching a portion of the heart. This can produce symptoms such as:
- Central chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
- Pain that can radiate to the jaw, shoulders, arms, back, or abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Nausea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Fatigue or weakness
A heart blockage may be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram, blood tests, stress test, CT scan, or cardiac catheterization. Treatment involves quickly restoring blood flow with clot busting drugs or angioplasty.
What does lung blockage feel like?
A lung obstruction can occur from mucus plugs, foreign objects, tumor growth, or external compression. Symptoms depend on the degree of blockage but may include:
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Wheezing or whistling sound with breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Cough and sputum production
- Rapid, shallow respiratory rate
- Cyanosis – bluish discoloration of the skin
A lung blockage decreases oxygenation of the blood and ventilation of air. It is considered a medical emergency requiring rapid treatment. Based on the cause, it may be treated with bronchodilators, suctioning, stents, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
What does a blocked artery feel like?
Blocked arteries impair blood circulation to tissues and organs. This is known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Common symptoms include:
- Intermittent leg pain when walking that is relieved by rest (claudication)
- Numbness, tingling, coolness, or pain in the lower extremities
- Non-healing wounds on the legs or feet
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Hair loss and slow nail growth on affected limbs
PAD is caused by a buildup of plaque that narrows and stiffens the arteries supplying the legs, stomach, arms and head. Diagnosis is made with an ankle-brachial index test and imaging. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty or bypass surgery.
What does a sinus blockage feel like?
Sinus blockages prevent mucus from draining normally from the sinuses. This causes a buildup of pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes. Symptoms include:
- Facial pain, pressure or fullness
- Nasal congestion and discharge
- Reduced ability to smell or taste
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
Allergies, sinus infections, nasal polyps, or structural issues like a deviated septum can all obstruct sinus drainage. Treatments focus on reopening the sinus ducts and improving mucus clearance from the nose.
What does ear blockage feel like?
A blocked eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. When obstructed by mucus, allergies, or swelling, it can cause:
- Ear fullness, pressure or pain
- Popping, clicking or crackling sounds
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss or changes in hearing
- Dizziness
- Ear infections
These symptoms often arise during air travel or with colds due to changes in air pressure. Treatment with decongestants, antihistamines, or steroids may help open the eustachian tube.
What does a blocked tear duct feel like?
Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct prevents tears from draining normally from the surface of the eye down into the nose. This leads to excessive tearing, mattering of the eyelashes, and irritation of the eye. Symptoms include:
- Watery eyes or excessive tearing (epiphora)
- Discharge from the eyes
- Redness, burning or itching
- Recurrent eye infections
- Crusting of eyelashes or eyelids
A blocked tear duct can result from inflammation, injury, or structural problems with the drainage system. Opening up the nasolacrimal duct with stents or tubes can help improve tear flow.
What does intestinal blockage feel like?
Intestinal obstruction prevents the normal movement of food through the digestive tract. Depending on the level of blockage, symptoms may include:
- Cramping pain in the abdomen
- Bloating
- Inability to pass gas or stool
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea if partial obstruction
- Abdominal swelling or distension
A complete intestinal obstruction is extremely painful and requires emergency surgery. Partial blockages can often be managed conservatively with IV fluids, bowel rest, and medications.
Conclusion
In summary, blockages throughout the body produce symptoms related to the organ or structure involved. Common features include localized pain and swelling, impaired functioning, and risk of complications if left untreated. Relieving the obstruction and treating any underlying condition can help restore normal flow and prevent permanent damage.