Crohn’s Strictures & Partial Obstruction: Symptoms, Food Changes, When It’s Urgent
Last Updated Jan 15, 2026
Crohn’s disease can sometimes lead to a narrowing in the bowel called a stricture. When the opening gets tight, food and stool may have trouble moving through. This can create a partial obstruction (some movement still happens) or, less commonly, a complete blockage. Because symptoms can overlap with a flare, knowing common patterns and urgency signs can help people decide how quickly to seek medical care.
What strictures and partial obstruction can feel like
A stricture is a narrowed section of intestine. In Crohn’s, this narrowing can happen after long-term inflammation and scarring, and it may lead to blockages. [1]
People often search for Crohn’s obstruction symptoms because the early signs can be confusing and may come and go. Common Crohn’s stricture symptoms can include crampy belly pain, constipation or harder-to-pass stool, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Some people also notice thinner stools, feeling full quickly, or pain that worsens after eating. [2]
A “partial blockage Crohn’s” episode may still allow some stool or gas to pass, so symptoms can feel on and off. Vomiting Crohn’s obstruction concerns are important because vomiting can be a sign the bowel is struggling to move contents forward, especially when paired with worsening pain or increasing belly swelling. If symptoms are new, stronger than usual, or keep returning, a clinician may want to evaluate whether a stricture or obstruction is playing a role.
Food changes that may reduce risk, and when it’s urgent
When narrowing is a concern, a care team may suggest a temporary low-fiber (low-residue) approach to reduce bulky, hard-to-digest pieces of food. MedlinePlus notes that low-fiber eating may be recommended during a flare, and that people with an intestinal stricture or obstruction may need to reduce fiber longer-term, often with dietitian support. [3]
Examples of lower-fiber choices many plans include are well-cooked vegetables (without skins), ripe bananas or applesauce, refined grains like white rice or pasta, and tender proteins. Foods often limited include nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, popcorn, and many raw fruits and vegetables. Any diet change is best discussed with a gastroenterology team, especially since overly restricting foods can make it harder to meet nutrition needs.
When to go to the ER for obstruction: Intestinal obstruction can become serious quickly. Emergency care is generally recommended for severe abdominal pain or signs of obstruction such as vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, and abdominal swelling. [4] Cleveland Clinic also notes that diarrhea can happen with a partial blockage, and that severe constipation with inability to pass gas or stool can occur with complete obstruction, and severe cramping with bloating and vomiting should be treated as urgent. [5]