A bowel obstruction is a complication of IBD that occurs when contents of the GI tract can longer pass through the intestines. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain combined with nausea, vomiting, and/or the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas. A bowel obstruction is considered an emergency so if you suspect you\’re having one, you should head to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. If a bowel obstruction is diagnosed, no food or drink is allowed and a nasogastric tube is placed. If the obstruction doesn\’t clear on its own, then surgery may be needed to remove the cause.