94 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
Obstructed Gut
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, p. 140)
• a loop of gut that is pinched in a hernia (p. 177)
• a part of the 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 an obstructed gut:
Steady, severe pain in the belly.
This child’s belly is swollen, hard, and very
tender. It hurts more when you touch it. He tries
to protect his belly and keeps his legs doubled
up. His belly is often ‘silent’. (When you put your
ear to it, you hear no sound of normal gurgles.)
Sudden vomiting with great
force! The vomit may shoot
out a meter or more. It may
have green bile in it or
smell and look like feces.
He is usually constipated (little
or no bowel movements). If there
is diarrhea, it is only a little bit.
Sometimes all that comes out is
some bloody mucus.
Get this person to a hospital as fast as possible. His life is in danger and surgery
may be needed.
Appendicitis, Peritonitis
These dangerous conditions often
require surgery. Seek medical help fast.
Appendicitis is an infection of the
appendix, a finger shaped sac attached to
the large intestine in the lower right hand
part of the belly. An infected appendix
sometimes bursts open, causing peritonitis.
Peritonitis is an acute, serious infection
of the lining of the cavity or bag that holds
the gut. It results when the appendix or
another part of the gut bursts or is torn.
small
intestine
large
intestine
APPENDIX
stomach