Sign 2: Vomiting
Vomiting is a reflex action, usually triggered when the body wants to get rid of something harmful. In the case of volvulus, the twisted intestine becomes an obstruction, preventing food and fluids from making their journey down the digestive tract.
As food gets blocked, there’s an upward force exerted, leading to regurgitation. The sight of one’s vomit having a greenish hue might be alarming, but it’s a sign that the body is rejecting bile. Bile is produced by the liver and plays a significant role in the digestion of fats. However, when there’s a blockage, this bile has nowhere to go.
One may experience bouts of nausea preceding the actual vomiting. These episodes can be intense and might occur multiple times in quick succession. Unlike regular bouts of vomiting caused by, say, food poisoning or a stomach bug, vomiting due to volvulus can be persistent.
The distress this causes is multi-layered. Not only is there physical discomfort, but there’s also the mental stress of not understanding why it’s happening. It’s vital to pay attention to this symptom and seek medical intervention sooner rather than later, as persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration. (2)
