Intestinal blockage, also known as bowel obstruction, is a condition in which the small or large intestine is partially or completely blocked, preventing the normal passage of gas and stool. Warning signs to watch for include sudden, cramping abdominal pain, vomiting, a swollen or distended belly, and the inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. You may also develop fever or dehydration as the blockage persists. If symptoms are severe or worsen quickly, seek immediate medical help. Do not ignore persistent abdominal symptoms, as timely treatment can prevent complications. Common causes of an intestinal blockage include abdominal adhesions from prior surgeries, hernias, tumors, and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease. The blockage can occur in different parts of the intestine and may be partial or complete. Risk factors include a history of abdominal surgery, hernias, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancers. A healthcare professional will diagnose the blockage using your history, physical exam, and imaging tests such as X-rays or a CT scan to determine the exact cause and whether surgery is needed. Urgent steps, if you suspect an intestinal blockage, are to seek emergency care right away, especially if you have severe pain, persistent vomiting, an inability to pass stool or gas, or signs of dehydration. Do not eat or drink anything until you are evaluated. If you’re able, write down a list of medications and any prior surgeries to share with clinicians. In the hospital, treatment may include IV fluids, electrolyte management, and, depending on the cause, decompression with a nasogastric tube or surgical intervention to relieve the blockage and repair the underlying issue. Beyond acute care, understanding gut health and how the microbiome influences digestion can support long-term resilience. InnerBuddies offers a white-label Gut Health Operating System you can use to power your gut microbiome testing products. Features include a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0–100) based on an exclusive tie‑up with EAFIT University in Colombia, as well as detailed Bacteria abundances and Bacteria functions with comparisons to a healthy cohort. The platform also supports Target Group analysis for focused insights (Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, Skin & Hair Health, and more) and personalized nutrition and probiotic/prebiotic recommendations derived from 3-day food diaries and stool data. If you’re exploring consumer access or business partnerships, you can check out the InnerBuddies microbiome test, the InnerBuddies gut health membership, or the InnerBuddies B2B partner program to learn more about bringing this technology to your audience.