poor appetite
Weight loss (without trying)
Abdominal (belly) pain
Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
A sense of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating a small meal
Heartburn or indigestion
Nausea
Vomiting, with or without blood
Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
Low red blood cell count (anemia)
nausea
Vomiting - Associated more with proximal obstructions
Diarrhea - An early finding
Constipation - A late finding, as evidenced by the absence of flatus or bowel movements
Fever and tachycardia - Occur late and may be associated with strangulation
Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, previous radiation therapy, or both - May be part of the patient's medical history
History of malignancy - Particularly ovarian and colonic malignancy
In simple mechanical obstruction, blockage occurs without vascular compromise. Ingested fluid and food, digestive secretions, and gas accumulate above the obstruction. The proximal bowel distends, and the distal segment collapses. The normal secretory and absorptive functions of the mucosa are depressed, and the bowel wall becomes edematous and congested. Severe intestinal distention is self-perpetuating and progressive, intensifying the peristaltic and secretory derangements and increasing the risks of dehydration and progression to strangulating obstruction.