Why does a patient not pass gas but experience hiccups after a cesarean section, and what should be done?
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Failure to pass gas but experiencing hiccups after a cesarean section may be related to factors such as the effects of anesthetic drugs, prolonged bed rest, electrolyte imbalances, functional gastrointestinal disorders, or intestinal adhesions. Patients can engage in appropriate physical activity or, under a doctor's guidance, use medications such as metronidazole tablets, potassium chloride oral solution, or lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets to aid recovery. During the recovery period, it is important to replenish the body's nutritional needs promptly.
Normally, failure to pass gas but experiencing hiccups after cesarean section may be related to the effects of anesthetic drugs, prolonged bed rest, electrolyte disturbances, functional gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal adhesions, and other factors. Patients can appropriately exercise or, under a doctor's guidance, use medications such as metronidazole tablets, potassium chloride oral solution, and lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets to aid recovery. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Anesthetic drug effects: Anesthetic drugs used during surgery may inhibit intestinal peristalsis, causing failure to pass gas after surgery. They may also affect the phrenic nerve, leading to hiccups. Once the anesthetic is metabolized and intestinal peristalsis gradually resumes, the hiccups will also subside. It is recommended that patients engage in appropriate physical activity to promote intestinal motility.
2. Excessive bed rest: Prolonged bed rest after cesarean section may slow intestinal peristalsis and affect diaphragm movement, preventing gas from being expelled normally and causing hiccups. Symptoms may include bloating and mild abdominal pain. It is recommended that patients get out of bed and move around as soon as possible to promote intestinal motility and gas release.
3. Electrolyte imbalance: Blood loss and sweating during cesarean section may lead to electrolyte imbalance in the body, affecting intestinal motility and diaphragm function, resulting in failure to pass gas and hiccups. Symptoms may also include fatigue, palpitations, and convulsions. Patients are advised to take medications such as potassium chloride oral solution, calcium gluconate oral solution, and sodium bicarbonate tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: Drug or surgical stimulation during the procedure may cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to irregular intestinal peristalsis and difficulty expelling gas. It may also affect the phrenic nerve, causing hiccups, accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Patients should take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, and domperidone tablets under a doctor's advice to aid recovery.
5. Intestinal adhesions: Intestinal adhesions may occur after cesarean section, restricting intestinal movement and preventing gas expulsion. Adhesions may also irritate the phrenic nerve, causing hiccups along with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. Mild adhesions can be treated with medications such as metronidazole tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and cefixime tablets under medical supervision, while severe cases may require surgical treatment.
During the recovery period, it is important to replenish the body's nutritional needs by appropriately consuming nutrient-rich foods such as eggs and pork ribs, which are beneficial for recovery.
