OBSTRUCTED GUT

                         OBSTRUCTED GUT

A gut is the long tube in the body of a person or animal, through which food moves during digestion.

An acute abdomen may be caused by something that blocks or ‘obstructs’ a part of the gut, so that food and stools cannot pass.

More common causes are:

-         A ball or knot of roundworms (Ascaris).

-         A loop of gut that is pinched in a hernia.

-         A part of the gut that slips inside the below it (intussusceptions).

Almost any kind of acute abdomen may show some signs of obstruction. Because it hurts the damaged gut to move, it stops moving.

Signs of an obstructed gut:

-          

     Steady, severe pain in the belly.

-         The belly is swollen, hard, and very tender.

-         It hurts more when you touch it.

-         When you put your ear to it, you hear no sound of normal gurgles.

-         Sudden vomiting with great force.

Get this person to a hospital as fast as possible. His life us in danger and surgery may be needed.