Symptom 7: Rapid Pulse and Breathing
Have you ever tried running up several flights of stairs in one go? That racing heartbeat and panting breath you experience at the top? That’s a bit how someone with bowel obstruction might feel – but without the exercise to justify it.
With a bowel obstruction, the body’s way of saying “something’s wrong” is by speeding up vital functions. A rapid pulse isn’t just the heart’s way of keeping pace; it’s a sign of underlying distress. When there’s an obstruction, blood flow can be compromised. The heart pumps faster, trying to ensure that oxygenated blood reaches every nook and cranny.
Simultaneously, breathing can become rapid, almost frantic. It’s not unlike the feeling of breathlessness after intense physical exertion. However, in the case of bowel obstruction, it’s more than just a physical response. It’s the body’s way of compensating for the reduced oxygen due to potential sepsis or other complications.
Moreover, these signs might not be overtly noticeable at first. One might simply feel a bit ‘off,’ with a slight palpitation or a mild shortness of breath. But as the obstruction progresses, these symptoms can escalate, becoming more pronounced and hard to ignore. (7)
