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How To Loosen A (Partial) Bowel Blockage At Home

A partial or complete blockage causes constipation symptoms, among others

Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD

A partial bowel blockage, or bowel obstruction, occurs when stool (the solid or semisolid remains to food eaten) gets stuck and can't move through your intestines. The problem causes a buildup of food, gas, and fluids behind the blockage. It can cause cramps, belly pain, vomiting, and constipation.

With a partial bowel blockage, some food and stool can pass through the intestines. It can often correct itself with changes to your diet or other nonsurgical treatments. This is more common than a complete bowel blockage, which entirely blocks your intestine and needs prompt treatment.

This article describes partial bowel blockage, symptoms, and ways to remove the blockage at home. It also describes when medical treatment is needed.

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Bowel Blockage: Is At-Home Removal Possible?

The option for at-home removal of a bowel blockage depends on the cause and conditions involving the problem. Many partial blockages open up on their own with supportive care and do not need further treatment. However, that does not mean that the problem is not serious.

Any untreated partial bowel blockage has the potential to become a life-threatening condition if the obstruction prevents blood from reaching your intestine. This type of intestinal blockage can result in infection and gangrene (tissue death). Attempting to do at-home removal of a bowel blockage should not be done without consulting with your healthcare provider.

Bowel Blockage vs. Constipation

A bowel blockage and constipation are two conditions that can interfere with the natural passage of waste from your body.

A bowel blockage is a condition in which stool, or feces, is blocking your bowel. It may require treatment to achieve relief. A bowel blockage can become a medical emergency if the obstruction does not resolve on its own or react to nonsurgical treatment.

Constipation is defined as having three or fewer bowel movements per week. It typically lasts a short time and can be relieved by taking laxatives and/or increasing water, fiber, and exercise.

Undiagnosed Bowel Blockage: How Do You Know You Have Symptoms?

Symptoms of a bowel blockage can vary based on factors including where the blockage exists, its cause, and whether the blockage is partial or full. You may experience the following symptoms if you have a bowel blockage:

If you have any of these symptoms accompanied by fever, increasing belly pain, or constipation that lasts longer than a few weeks, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Ways to Loosen a Partial Bowel Blockage At Home

If you have a partial bowel blockage, you may be able to loosen it by taking the following steps at home. Before doing so, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms to ensure that you can safely manage the problem at home.

You may be able to loosen a partial bowel obstruction at home by taking the following steps:

Eat a low fiber diet.

Fiber adds bulk to your stools. However, consuming too much fiber can increase your stool size and make it harder to pass. If you have a partial bowel obstruction, eating more fiber during this time could worsen your obstruction.

Stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated can help soften your stools and make them easier to pass, which can help prevent a bowel blockage. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should have about 11.5 cups of water daily, while the recommended daily water intake for men is 15.5 cups every day.

Consume small meals.

Large meals may worsen discomfort and/or cramping. Consume five or six small meals daily. This diet is easier to digest than three large meals.

Eat slowly and chew your food well.

Chewing your food well before you swallow reduces the chances of undigested food becoming lodged in your intestine and causing a blockage.

Exercise regularly.

Mild or moderate physical activity can have positive effects on the health of your gastrointestinal tract. Physically active individuals demonstrate a lower prevalence of constipation compared to those who are physically inactive.

Consume foods that are easier to digest.

Choose tender, well-cooked foods with a smooth texture. These foods will pass through your intestines more easily.

Avoid habits and food that increase gas.

Avoid the following to reduce the amount of gas you add to your digestive tract:

Drinking through a straw

Chewing gum

Carbonated drinks

Vegetables that cause gas like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, spinach, and cabbage

Fruits that cause gas like bananas, grapes, apples, raisins, and prunes

How Long Does It Take to Clear?

The amount of time it takes a partial bowel blockage to clear depends on the cause of the problem. With dietary or other nonsurgical treatment, a partial blockage can typically resolve itself within a few days.

Conditions That Increase Your Risk of a Bowel Blockage

You may be at risk of having a bowel blockage if you have one of the following conditions:

Scar tissue from abdominal surgery

Hernia

Diverticulitis

Certain cancers of the gastrointestinal or pelvic areas, including pancreatic,

Crohn's disease

Abdominal radiation damage

Treatment for Severe Bowel Blockage

A severe bowel blockage can't be treated at home. While treatment is based on the cause of the problem, it is common to require hospitalization for a severe bowel blockage.

Treatment for a severe bowel blockage includes the following based on your condition:

Intravenous (IV) fluids: This involves using electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) and IV fluids to treat dehydration while you abstain from eating or drinking. This treatment can often help your bowels reset. IV therapy may also be used if the blockage lasts more than a couple of days.

Enemas or stool softener: Enemas and/or medications to loosen and/or soften a hard stool causing a blockage so it can be passed more easily. An enema can help loosen a bowel blockage by increasing pressure in your intestines and helping the blockage to pass.

Nasogastric tube: It may be possible to suction out fluids and air above the bowel blockage by using a nasogastric tube. This long thin tube is inserted through your nose and into your stomach to empty its contents. This treatment relieves gas buildup and decreases swelling.

Medication: Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to relieve nausea, vomiting, swelling, diarrhea, or pain.

Colorectal tube: A colorectal tube is a long, thin tube that is inserted through the rectum into the colon. It removes gas, fluid, and inflammation.

If these treatments do not relieve your bowel blockage, your healthcare provider may advise bowel blockage surgery. Surgery is typically the first-line treatment for a complete blockage.

The following types of surgery are used to treat a bowel obstruction:

Removal of an intestinal mass or tumor

Resection (cutting away) of scars and adhesions (bands of scar tissue)

Repair of blood vessels

Cutting away an area of inflamed or dead intestinal tissue

Insertion of a metal stent (tube) into the intestine to open the blocked area

Ileostomy, which opens your abdominal wall to allow waste from your small intestine to exit your body through a stoma (opening) attached to a bag or pouch

Colostom, which removes the damaged or dead part of your large intestine (colon) and creates an opening in your abdominal wall to allow stool to exit your body through a stoma

Gut Health and Recovery: Ongoing Bowel Symptoms

Recovery from a partial bowel blockage can be a slow process. You may have to take your time to return to a normal diet and lifestyle. Lasting discomfort and bloating can occur after the bowel blockage clears. Even if a partial bowel blockage resolves, you still have the risk of another bowel blockage in the future.

You can help reduce ongoing bowel symptoms and your risk of another bowel blockage with the following strategies for maintaining gut health:

Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding foods that are difficult to digest or those that cause inflammation.

Drink the recommended amount of water.

Exercise regularly at an intensity recommended by your healthcare provider.

Manage chronic conditions that can increase your risk of a bowel blockage.

Eat several small meals rather than three large meals daily to avoid straining your digestive system.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of another bowel blockage.

Summary

A partial bowel blockage is a serious problem that needs prompt treatment. While not as severe as a complete blockage, a partial blockage can worsen without treatment. This can increase your risk of having a severe infection in your intestine.

Do not ignore symptoms of a partial bowel blockage. Get medical care if you have sustained belly pain with vomiting and/or constipation.

If you have problems linked with a partial bowel blockage, contact your healthcare provider right away for an exam and diagnosis. They can advise whether at-home removal is best based on the cause and degree of your bowel blockage.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.

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Ileus: What Is It?

Ileus is a temporary condition where your intestine can't push food and waste out of your body. Your intestine is a long and winding tube inside of your body that attaches your stomach to your anus. It has two parts, small and large. The small intestine's main job is to break down the food you eat. The large intestine, or colon, absorbs water and uses strong, wavelike movements to push broken-down food and waste to your anus so you can poop.

Ileus stops food and waste from moving through your digestive tract. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)

When your intestine stops making those wavelike movements for a while, ileus occurs. It usually lasts 1-3 days.

Ileus vs. Obstruction

Ileus isn't the same thing as an obstruction or blockage in your intestines. With ileus, the intestinal walls can't push the contents of your digestive tract forward, and this is known as a nonmechanical bowel obstruction. If something physical prevents the contents from moving, you have a mechanical bowel obstruction. There could be several reasons for a physical blockage, and it can happen anywhere in your colon, right down to the rectum. Some causes include:

A foreign object that was swallowed

Impacted (hardened) stool

Tumors

Twisted intestines, called volvulus

Intussusception, which happens when one part of the intestine "telescopes," or slides, into another part. Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in young children aged 3 and younger.

Scar tissue

Hernia

Gallstones (rare)

There are several types of ileus depending on the cause. They include:

Postoperative ileus

This type of ileus is the most common. If you've had surgery, particularly abdominal surgery, you may have wondered why medical staff were so concerned about you having your first bowel movement. Doctors don't understand the exact cause, but the intestine can be slow to go back to full function after general anesthesia and surgery, sometimes taking up to 72 hours.

Paralytic ileus

A paralytic ileus happens when the intestinal wall becomes paralyzed and unable to push contents forward. The disruption arises when something triggers the muscles or the nerve signals to stop working as they should. It can happen in just one section of the intestine or along the whole digestive tract.

Possible causes include surgery or infection, certain medications, an imbalance of electrolytes (salt, water, etc.), or changes in your metabolism.

Meconium ileus

A meconium ileus only affects newborns. Meconium is the first stool or bowel movement after birth, although some babies may release meconium while still in the womb or during the birth process. Meconium is thicker than regular stool, and it can block the intestine. While meconium can cause a physical bowel obstruction, it's still called meconium ileus. 

It isn't always the case, but an infant who has meconium ileus has a high chance of having cystic fibrosis.

Gallstone ileus

A gallstone ileus, as with meconium ileus, is an actual physical obstruction. It's very rare and happens when a gallstone travels from the gallbladder into the intestine.

Ileus has many potential causes, including:

Surgery, especially when doctors have to shift your intestines

Medicines that affect your intestine, including:

Anticholinergics, such as atropine and scopolamine

Opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Phenothiazines, such as thioridazine HCL and prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Infections in your midsection, such as appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) or diverticulitis (inflammation or infection of small pouches, called diverticula, on the walls of the intestines)

Health issues such as kidney failure, heart attack, and hypothyroidism (when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough of certain important hormones)

Mineral levels that are too low or high, such as potassium or calcium

Injury to arteries that send blood to the belly

Cystic fibrosis (a disorder of your genes that causes severe damage to the lungs and other organs)

Certain progressive diseases, such as Parkinson's disease or Crohn's disease, although it's rare in this case

You'll feel symptoms in your stomach area for 24-72 hours. You may:

Feel bloated from a buildup of gas and liquid in your belly

Feel sick to your stomach (nausea)

Throw up (vomit)

Find it hard to poop (constipation)

Not want to eat

Have stomach cramps

Have watery stools

Be dehydrated

Ileus can happen to anyone, but some people are at a higher risk. Risk factors include:

Older age

Obesity

Poor general health

Certain medical conditions may also make you more likely to have ileus, such as:

Reduced blood flow to the intestines

Major weight loss

Serious infection

Serious electrolyte imbalances

Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis

Diabetes

Surgery, especially abdominal surgery

Sepsis, which can result from any type of infection, such as pneumonia or surgical infections

Radiation therapy near the abdomen, as for cancer treatment

To diagnose ileus, your doctor will take your medical history, including your most recent symptoms. This will be followed by a physical exam.

Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds your belly makes. Normal sounds like clicks and gurgles mean everything's probably OK. No sound could be a sign of ileus. If there is concern that you could have ileus, you may be sent for some of these tests:

Blood tests to measure your electrolyte and mineral levels and to rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms

Imaging tests, such as abdominal X-rays and abdominal CT scans, to get pictures of the bowels

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) and small bowel series:

Barium enema: Barium is inserted into your lower intestines by enema, and an X-ray follows its path to check for abnormalities.

Upper GI series: You drink a "milkshake" that contains barium. A special X-ray follows the path of the drink as it goes through your small/upper intestine.

Sometimes, you don't need treatment for ileus, because it will go away on its own. If you do need treatment, it will depend on how bad your symptoms are and the cause. Your doctor might suggest:

No food or fluids by mouth for 24-72 hours. Resting your intestine may help it regain its ability to move the contents through.

Change in your medications. Your doctor may stop or cut back on strong pain relievers (opioid analgesics) or other medications that may be causing your symptoms.

Prokinetics. Prokinetics are medications that could "reboot" your intestine, allowing it to push the contents forward again.

IV fluids. Given to help correct electrolyte imbalances, these also provide fluid and nutrients if you're dehydrated.

Nasogastric decompression, or suction to relieve a buildup of gas and liquid. Your doctor passes a tube, called a nasogastric tube, through your nose and into your stomach or small intestine. Then they'll use suction to drain fluid and air, and relax pressure and bloating. If the problem is in your large intestine, the tube is passed through your anus.

Electrical stimulation: It's used to encourage movement in the intestine.

Sitting in an upright position, especially for patients who may have spent a lot of time lying down.

Surgery: It isn't usually required, but in some cases, it may be if the ileus doesn't go away. Types of intestinal surgery include:

Stents. A stent is a tube that bypasses the affected area in the intestine.

Resection. This surgery involves removing the affected part of the intestine and reattaching the remaining ends.

Ostomy. An ostomy is an opening in your abdominal wall. A surgeon makes a cut in the intestine and redirects it through the new opening (ostomy), so you can empty the contents into an ostomy bag.

Your doctor will keep an eye on you in the hospital until you're well enough to go home. This should be within a few days. Your doctor will likely want to see you for a follow-up appointment.

It's rare, but there could be some complications, such as:

Perforation, or a hole, in the intestinal wall

Tissue death (necrosis)

Infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis)

Signs that there may be a problem include:

A fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher

A swollen belly or pain that doesn't go away

Trouble pooping or passing gas

A queasy feeling or throwing up

A full feeling in your stomach after small amounts of food or drink

Bleeding from your rectum (last section of the large intestine)

Poop that's black or looks like tar

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. If you can't get in touch with your doctor, go to a hospital and tell them that you recently were diagnosed and treated for ileus.

Causes Of Hard-to-pass Stool And What To Try

There are many possible causes of poop that is large, painful, and difficult to pass. Examples include constipation, fecal impaction, bowel obstruction, and more. Treatment can depend on the cause, but may include dietary changes and medication.

A person may be able to treat some conditions, such as constipation, with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, some conditions, such as bowel obstruction, are more severe and require immediate medical help.

Understanding the possible causes and related symptoms can help a person know when to contact a doctor about large, hard-to-pass stool.

In this article, we look at possible causes of large stools that are difficult to pass. We also discuss the treatment options and explain when to see a doctor.

There are many possible causes of large, painful, and hard-to-pass stools.

Constipation

Constipation can cause stools that are hard to pass. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that constipation is a common condition, affecting about 16 out of 100 adults in the United States. Among those aged 60 years and over, it affects 33 out of 100 people.

Possible causes of constipation include:

older age

lack of fiber in the diet

travel

ignoring the need to have a bowel movement

dehydration

lack of physical activity

changes in diet or eating habits

The symptoms of constipation may include:

fewer than three bowel movements in a week

hard, dry, or lumpy stools

difficulty passing a stool or pain on doing so

the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement

Fecal impaction

Fecal impaction is a condition in which the body is unable to move a large, dry, hard stool through the colon or rectum.

Causes of fecal impaction can include:

overuse of laxatives

some types of pain medication

lack of physical activity over an extended period

dietary changes

untreated constipation

The symptoms can include:

inability to pass a stool

stomach or back pain

difficulty urinating

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea that leaks out

changes in breathing or heartbeat

Fecal impaction can be dangerous without treatment, so a person should seek medical help straight away if they have symptoms of fecal impaction.

Bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction is a severe condition in which an obstruction in the intestines blocks the normal digestion process. As a result, it can be difficult or impossible to move stools through to the rectum.

Possible causes of a bowel obstruction include:

foreign objects in the intestines

abnormal twists or growths of the intestines

inflammatory bowel disease

a tumor

scarring after surgery or infection

a hernia

The symptoms can include:

severe stomach pain or cramping

vomiting

a swollen or full-feeling stomach

constipation

inability to pass gas

loud sounds coming from the stomach

A bowel obstruction is an emergency, and a person will need medical help immediately.

Hypothyroidism

In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid is unable to produce enough of the thyroid hormones, which affects many bodily functions.

Hypothyroidism can cause constipation. Other symptoms may include:

fatigue

dry skin and hair

being unable to tolerate the cold

depression

unexplained weight gain

Hypothyroidism is more common in people assigned female at birth and those over the age of 60 years.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a digestive issue that causes abdominal discomfort and frequent changes in bowel movements.

The symptoms may include:

stomach pain

constipation

diarrhea

bloating

gas

mucus in the stool

headaches

nausea

fatigue

There is no clear cause of IBS, but triggers can include:

stress

certain foods or drinks

bacterial infection or overgrowth in the gut

mental health disorders

Encopresis

Encopresis refers to children over 4 years of age being unable to control their bowel movements. Long-term constipation can cause encopresis.

The symptoms include:

soiling of clothing or defecating on the floor

painful, hard-to-pass stools

large stools that may clog the toilet

leaking of liquid stools

Pregnancy

Constipation can be a common symptom in pregnancy, when it can be due to:

changing hormones affecting the digestive system

the developing baby pressing down on the intestines

reduced physical activity

dietary changes

People may experience:

hard, lumpy stools

the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement

straining

infrequent bowel movements

Learn more about constipation during pregnancy.

Medications

Certain medications and supplements can cause hard-to-pass stools, including:

antacids with aluminum and calcium

antiseizure medications

calcium channel blockers

diuretics

iron supplements

Parkinson's disease medications

narcotics

medications to treat muscle spasms

some antidepressants

Depending on the underlying cause, a person may be able to manage large, painful, and difficult-to-pass stools with home remedies and medical treatments.

Home remedies

People may be able to treat large, hard-to-pass stools by making adjustments to their daily routine, such as:

increasing fiber intake by eating more:

fruits

vegetables

whole grains

legumes

nuts

increasing water intake

avoiding low fiber foods, such as processed and fast foods

doing more physical activity

allowing time to have a bowel movement at a regular time of the day

eating meals at regular times and chewing thoroughly

responding to any urge to go to the toilet

avoiding straining or sitting on the toilet for too long

Learn more about natural remedies for constipation.

Medical treatments

If people do not find home remedies effective, or if they have severe or additional symptoms, they may need medical treatment.

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve:

laxatives, stool softeners, or fiber supplements

prescription medication to encourage bowel movements

biofeedback therapy to retrain the muscles responsible for bowel movements

changing an existing medication if this is a potential cause

the manual removal of stools, if necessary

surgery to repair the colon or treat a rectal prolapse

therapy and positive toilet training techniques for children with encopresis

following a specific treatment plan for conditions such as IBS

A pregnant person can contact their doctor for advice on which treatments may be safe for them.

People should also contact their doctor if they have symptoms of fecal impaction. Treatments may include:

enemas or suppositories to soften the stool

the manual removal of the stool from the rectum

laxatives and increased water and fiber intake for prevention

It is advisable to see a doctor if at-home treatments are not effective or a person has any of the following symptoms:

constant stomach pain

inability to make a bowel movement, but there is leaking of liquid stool

being unable to control bowel movements

oily or greasy stools that are difficult to flush

hard, black stools

blood in stools

bleeding from the rectum

being unable to pass gas

vomiting

fever

unintentional weight loss

lower back pain

People should seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms of fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction.

People may be able to treat large, hard-to-pass stools by making dietary changes and other simple lifestyle adjustments.

In some cases, hard-to-pass stools can cause serious complications if a person does not get treatment. If a medical condition is causing uncomfortable bowel movements, treating or managing the condition may help relieve the symptoms.

Here are some frequently asked questions about large, hard-to-pass stool.

What do you do if your poop is too big to pass?

If stool is too large to pass, this might indicate a serious condition such as fecal impaction. This is when the body is unable to move large stool through the rectum or colon. It is important to seek immediate medical advice if a person is unable to pass stool, as it can lead to perforation, incontinence, and other complications.

How do you break up a large poop that won't come out?

Taking laxatives can help soften a stool that is too large to pass. Dietary changes, such as consuming more fiber, may also help. If home remedies or OTC treatments do not help, it is important to contact a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Large, hard-to-pass poop can be uncomfortable, but this issue may resolve with simple changes, such as increasing fiber intake, doing more physical activity, and drinking more water.

If home remedies are not effective, it is best to see a doctor for further treatment advice to prevent any complications.

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