What causes a twisted bowel?

You know that feeling when you’re twisting and contorting to get into your too-tight skinny jeans? Well, imagine that inside your gut. Yep, a twisted bowel is the ultimate game of Twister happening in your intestines. It’s not fun, it’s not pretty, but it happens.

What exactly is a twisted bowel?

A twisted bowel, also known as volvulus (ooh la la), is when part of your intestine becomes twisted around itself or another part of the intestine. Think of it like getting tangled up in headphone wires, except way more painful and life-threatening.

How does a twisted bowel even happen?

Great question! There are several factors that can contribute to causing volvulus:

  1. Abnormal anatomy: Some people may have an unusually shaped colon or abnormal tissue growths which make them predisposed to having their intestines twist up.
  2. Scar tissue: Any sort of internal scarring from surgery or previous infection can cause inflammation leading to blockages in the intestines resulting in volvulus.
  3. Constipation: People who suffer from chronic constipation are at high risk due simply because they strain harder during defecation which increases pressure on their bowels making them more susceptible to twisting up themselves
  4. Pregnancy complications:multiple pregnancies as well having twins may lead increased risk for this condition

Risk Factors

Volvulus doesn’t discriminate; anyone can fall victim if certain lifestyle choices aren’t made:

  • Age- As we get older our muscles weaken , including those connected with intestinal activity
  • Poor Nutrition – Individuals who do not consume enough fiberare at an increased risk since fiber help waste pass through easily
  • Lack of physical exercise : Physical activity increase flow of intestinal fluids thus preventing cluttering leading natural passing out
    -The male gender has been found to be at more risk compared to the female gender because male bowel innervation is different from that of a woman

Symptoms of twisted bowels

A volvulus does not exactly have straightforward signs and symptoms however some common ones include:

  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Vomiting even when there has been nothing to eat
  • Absence of defecation thus leading to constipation
  • Feelings of nausea everytime an attemptto assimilate food are made but then it ends up getting vomited.

Do NOT ignore these signals

Diagnosis

If you suspect something off with your intestines, this might lead you into seeking medical consultation. Your doctor will want to ensure that they have enough information so as to diagnose correctly in order for treatment plan(s) can be developed towards recovery.

Here’s what your health practitioner may do:

  1. Physical exam – This involves pressing on various areas around the abdomen listening/feeling any movement.
    2.Imaging tests such as CT scan or X-ray helps show intestine status by revealing their current shape making working diagnoistic possible . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)could also help detect twists .
    3.The Wire test
    4.Diagnostic laparoscopy:- In general cases where diagnosis is unclear after previous diagnosis,the patient may undergo surgery for further vieiwng of the bowels via camera fitted tubes in strategic incisions near abdominal area

The Wire Test?

Whaaat? Yes! There is a test called The Wire Rest which basically studies the movementof needles/gowires connected with a needle sonde inserted into person’s rectum.While repeating movements ,the wire records if there are presenceof abnormal contractions iin certain sections againist normal muscle tension required

Treatment Options

So, you’ve got twisted bowels; what next?

The good news is that most people who suffer from intestinal twisting don’t require immediate invasive surgery. In fact, around 80% of people who visited their doctors earlier on have been successfuly treated .

Here are the options for treating volvulus:

  1. Colonoscopic detorsion- involves untwisting or straightening intestines through a device called an endoscope
    2.Barium Enemas is often recommended in cases whereby colonoscopyis not applicable.
    3.Definitive surgery -Laparotomy is done when twisted bowels has resulted to tissue discoloration/damage and may be permanent damage that require a more elaborate treatment plan.

Twisted bowel sufferer? Don’t despair .There help even after care post proccedure , recovery could entail using certain drugs as there will likely be pain relief routine adminstration.

Take Charge

So now you know what’s going on with your body and ultimately control over how we treat and manage our health falls squarely in us personally :

To prevent occurrence of volvulus :

  • Drink plenty water :hydration can make fecal matter pass out smoothly due to ease of free flow
    -Eat Fibre-rich foods so that they avoid passing partially digested food into large intestine since it poses as riskfactor.
    The larger family join network support groups where everyone shares experiences thus group wisdomaids better decision making everytime medical consultaions arise

Reminder

Now that Twisted Bowel affliction has become understandable does not mean what someone feels while suffering from the condition should be overlooked at any point. Immediate action must always follow once symptoms are experienced.

Stay healthy! And remember, sometimes you just need to loosen your grip …on life, not your skinny jeans.

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