What is a common presentation of bowel perforation?

Severe abdominal pain is a hallmark presentation of bowel perforation. This occurs because the perforation leads to the release of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, resulting in irritation of the peritoneum, which can cause acute and intense pain. Patients may also exhibit signs of peritoneal irritation such as guarding, rebound tenderness, and rigidity on examination. The pain often begins suddenly and can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and a rapid onset of abdominal distension, depending on the extent and location of the perforation.

Other potential symptoms associated with bowel perforation, such as fever and changes in vital signs, arise as part of the body’s response to the emergent situation. On the contrary, chronic diarrhea, weight gain, and joint pain are typically not associated with bowel perforation and would suggest different underlying conditions or issues entirely unrelated to this acute surgical emergency.