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Warning-sign checks

Bowel obstruction: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe or constant pain, repeated vomiting, a rigid abdomen, fainting, confusion, fever with worsening symptoms, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to pass stool or gas with increasing swelling.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating team promptly if vomiting returns, swelling increases, pain worsens, bowel movements stop unexpectedly, or a surgical wound becomes red, drains fluid, or opens.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the cause and treatment.

    After discharge, clinicians may review bowel function, hydration, nutrition, medicines, wounds, and recovery.

    People with cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, or movement disorders may need specialist care.

The article also says

Follow instructions about diet, activity, lifting, wound care, and returning to work.

Ask before restarting laxatives, fiber supplements, or medicines that affect bowel movement.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bowel obstruction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.