This disease is characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension and cessation of defecation from the anus, with paroxysmal or persistent aggravation.

Abdominal pain is paroxysmal colic, accompanied by intestinal tinnitus, and there is a "lump of gas" moving inside. The pain is mostly in the middle of the abdomen, but can also be partial to the site of obstruction. If the intervals of abdominal pain continue to shorten, to become severe persistent abdominal pain, we should be alert to the possible manifestation of strangulated intestinal obstruction.

Abdominal distension is obvious, there may be pressure pain, bowel sounds are hyperactive (strangulated intestinal obstruction and paralytic intestinal obstruction, the bowel sounds disappear or peristalsis is weakened on auscultation), bowel pattern and peristaltic waves are often seen, and sometimes a mass can be found.

Patients have signs of dehydration such as sunken eye sockets, dry lips and tongue, and loss of skin elasticity. Strangulated intestinal obstruction may have a rapid pulse, pallor, cold extremities, blood pressure drop and other signs of shock. Bowel pattern and peristaltic wave can be seen in the abdomen, and the abdomen is distended, or there can be asymmetric bulging. A mass may be palpated, or there may be a peritonitis body piece.