Symptom 10: A Distinctive Bowel Sound
Ever put a seashell to your ear and heard the sounds of the ocean? Now, imagine placing a stethoscope on the abdomen of someone with bowel obstruction. The sounds one hears – termed ‘borborygmi’ – are distinctive and telling.
Under normal circumstances, our intestines produce soft, gurgling noises as they push food and liquid through. However, with bowel obstruction, these sounds become exaggerated and more frequent, especially near the site of the blockage. It’s the intestines’ way of protesting, trying to push past the obstruction.
But that’s not all. At times, there might be a stark silence – a complete absence of bowel sounds. This might indicate a more severe form of obstruction where the intestine has ceased its movements entirely.
Both these variations in bowel sounds – either hyperactive or absent – provide vital clues to healthcare professionals. It aids in diagnosing the presence and potential severity of the obstruction. (10)
