Mataracy
VIP Contributor
An acute abdomen may be caused by something that blocks or ' obstructs' a part of the so that food and stools cannot pass. More common causes are:
- a ball or knot of roundworms ( Ascaris).
- a loop of gut that slips inside the part below it ( intussusception).
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 obstructed gut:
- steady , severe pain in the belly.
The child belly will be swollen, hard, and very tender. It hurts more when you touch it. He tries to protect his belly and keeps his legs double up. His belly is often ' silent'. ( when you put ear to it, you hear no sound of normal gurgles. ).
- The person will usually have constipation ( little or no bowel movements). If there is diarrhea, it is only a little bit. Sometimes all that comes out is some blood mucus.
- Sudden vomiting with great force! The vomit may shoot out a meter or more. It may have green bile in it it it smell and look like feces.
If you see any body with such signs get the person yo a hospital at once. His life is in danger and surgery may be needed.
- a ball or knot of roundworms ( Ascaris).
- a loop of gut that slips inside the part below it ( intussusception).
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 obstructed gut:
- steady , severe pain in the belly.
The child belly will be swollen, hard, and very tender. It hurts more when you touch it. He tries to protect his belly and keeps his legs double up. His belly is often ' silent'. ( when you put ear to it, you hear no sound of normal gurgles. ).
- The person will usually have constipation ( little or no bowel movements). If there is diarrhea, it is only a little bit. Sometimes all that comes out is some blood mucus.
- Sudden vomiting with great force! The vomit may shoot out a meter or more. It may have green bile in it it it smell and look like feces.
If you see any body with such signs get the person yo a hospital at once. His life is in danger and surgery may be needed.