Other conditions with symptoms similar to a bowel obstruction

My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Digestive Disorders Health Center

Email a Friend

Print Article

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Other Conditions With Symptoms Similar to a Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstructions usually cause some degree of abdominal (belly) pain, bloating, and vomiting. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include:

Inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis).
Food poisoning.
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines (gastroenteritis).
Severe constipation from hard, dry stools (fecal impaction).
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Inflammation of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis).
Stomach (peptic) ulcers.
Irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause cramping belly pain and bloating, but not usually vomiting.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Last Revised	April 27, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 27, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.