Adhesive intestinal obstruction happens when internal scar tissue tangles or kinks the bowel. Most scars come from past surgery, and symptoms can flare days to years later.

Crampy belly pain is the first clue. Spasms come in waves every few minutes and feel like bad gas that won’t move.

Swelling follows. The abdomen puffs up and feels tight, like an overfilled balloon.

Vomiting starts early. First food, then bile-green fluid, and finally the vomit can smell like stool.

No gas or stool passes. You can’t burp, pass wind, or move your bowels, even when you feel the urge.

Bowel sounds change. Early on, gurgles are loud and frequent; later the belly goes eerily quiet.

Late signs include fever, rapid heart rate, or hard, tender belly—an alarm that the bowel may be dying.