Will Bowel Obstruction Show on X Ray?

To confirm a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, your doctor may recommend an abdominal X-ray. However, some intestinal obstructions can't be seen using standard X-rays. Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images.

What are the signs of a blocked bowel?

What are the symptoms of an intestinal blockage?
  • Severe pain in your belly.
  • Severe cramping sensations in your belly.
  • Throwing up.
  • Feelings of fullness or swelling in your belly.
  • Loud sounds from your belly.
  • Feeling gassy, but being unable to pass gas.
  • Being unable to pass stool (constipation)

Can you have a bowel obstruction and still poop?

Someone with a full obstruction will find passing a stool or gas difficult, if not impossible. A partial obstruction can cause diarrhea. Obstructions cause a buildup of food, gastric acids, gas, and fluids. As these continue to build up, pressure grows.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.