Sign 3: Abdominal Distension
Everyone has had days when they’ve felt ‘bloated’ after a heavy meal or when they’ve had too many fizzy drinks. But the abdominal distension experienced with volvulus is on another level. Picture the intestine as a balloon. When there’s a blockage, gas and fluids start accumulating in the twisted section of the intestine, inflating it much like air inflates a balloon.
This inflation results in the abdomen looking swollen or distended. It’s not merely about aesthetics; this distension can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or tightness. There’s a tangible pressure exerted from within, making even the simple act of sitting down comfortably challenging.
This bloating isn’t uniform. Depending on the volvulus’s location, one might find that a particular section of their abdomen protrudes more than the rest. This unevenness can further guide medical professionals towards a more accurate diagnosis. (3)
