OBSTRUCTIONS
(Bowel, Kidney, Aortic, Airways)

Bowel Obstruction

A bowel obstruction is when a section of the bowel (either the small or the large intestine) becomes totally or partially blocked, so that stool cannot pass through it. Bowel obstructions can happen to just about anyone, but they are a common complication of Crohn's disease.

Treating a Bowel Obstruction

An obstruction is a serious condition and may be treated in the hospital. In some cases, it is necessary to decompress the intestine. This is accomplished by inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube in to the stomach, which alleviates distention and vomiting. If inserting the NG tube does not help in relieving the blockage, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may also be necessary if some of the tissue in the intestine has died.

Complications

If not treated, a bowel obstruction could lead to more serious problems, such as the death of the bowel tissue. If part of the bowel dies, it could result in infection and/or gangrene. The intestine can also perforate (get a hole in it), which is a medical emergency and will require surgery.

Symptoms

An obstruction can cause the complete absence of stool or gas (obstipation), because no stool can pass through the intestine. Or it can cause diarrhea, because only liquid stool can pass beyond the point of obstruction. Other symptoms are intense pain and cramping, abdominal fullness and abdominal bloating. The symptoms of a bowel obstruction are:

A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
Bad breath
Bloating (distention)
Constipation
Diarrhea
Pain and cramping
Vomiting
Diagnosis

Airway Obstruction

The upper airway structure and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be evaluated with a physical examination, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation, and cephalometric x-rays.

Three Basic Types of Airway Obstruction

Using the above mentioned methods there are three basic types of airway obstruction:

Type I: Obstruction of the upper part of the throat. Many patients will have:
Long and thickened soft palate
Narrow width and depth of the upper throat
Large uvula with wrinkling or "telescoping" of excess tissue
Mucosal webs
Bulge from hypertrophy of muscle in the throat
Redundant mucosal folds

Type II: Combined upper and lower obstruction of the throat:
Collapsing and obstruction from the sides of the throat
Obstruction involve both palate and tongue base segments
Type III: Obstruction of the lower part of the throat
Obstruction at the base of the tongue
Increased lingual tonsils (base of the tongue)
Large tongue
Redundant tissues of the upper voicebox

Obstruction of the Aortic Valve

Obstructions of the aortic valve are determined by the dimensions of the fibrous ring, the number and morphological alterations, dysplastic thickening of the valve and fusion of the commissures.

All types of obstruction cause left ventricular hypertrophy, which creates an imbalance between the supply and demand for oxygen, leading to myocardial ischemia, heart failure and death if a precise diagnosis is not established and timely treatment instituted.

Obstruction of the Urinary Tract and Kidneys

The urinary tract consists of two kidneys (where urine is made), two ureters (tubes which lead the urine into the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (the tube which leads the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The urine should flow from the kidney, through the ureter, to the bladder, and out. There are many causes of urinary tract obstruction. Most are caused by a narrowing at some point in the urinary tract. This narrowing can slow down or stop the flow of urine, and this in turn can interfere with the functioning of both the kidneys and the lungs.

ACUPUNCTURE and OBSTRUCTIONS

The classical Chinese explanation is that there are channels of energy running through the body and over its surface in regular patterns. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction to the movement in these meridians dams up the energy on one side, while cutting off the supply downstream.

The meridians can be influenced by acupuncture needles applied at certain points. The needles unblock the obstructions and reestablish the regular flow of energy.

The scientific explanation of acupuncture is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals or hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.