Abdominal Distention

Abdominal distention can also occur as a consequence of overeating and other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal hernia. To know more about abdominal distention symptoms, read on...

What is the abdomen? The area located between the chest and the pelvis, is called the abdomen. Abdominal distention is defined as the enlargement of the abdomen. In other words, the size of the abdomen increases and triggers an uncomfortable feeling. The unusual swelling of the abdomen may last for a few minutes or last for a considerable period of time depending upon the underlying cause. Read more on swollen abdomen.

Causes of Abdominal Distention

Many a times, abdominal distention is a minor issue and often goes away with proper eating habits. However, certain underlying condition can also cause abnormal swelling of the abdomen. It is discussed below:

Overeating

A heavy meal can certainly give a feeling of abdominal distention. Overeating does cause bloating, which may lead to abdominal pain. Also, too much food intake during meals is likely to cause indigestion, which ultimately brings abdominal distention after eating. To be frank, overeating and indigestion are interlinked and can cause abdominal discomfort.

Intestinal Gas

Certain foods and beverages are known to stimulate production of intestinal gas and eventually causing abdominal distention. Drinking carbonated beverages as well as gas causing foods like legumes, broccoli, cabbage and fried foods, can cause temporary distended abdomen.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

People suffering from IBS are found complaining about swollen abdomen. A bloated abdomen (abdominal distention) accompanied by diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of IBS. As the name implies, here the bowel (colon) does not work properly, which may lead to frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation. In this condition, the person commonly experiences pain in the form of cramps in the abdominal area. Read more on irritable bowel syndrome.

Crohn's Disease

In this condition, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract gets inflamed. Although the gastrointestinal tract extends from the mouth to the large intestine (colon), it is usually the colon where the inflammation is detected. In this condition ulcers are formed on the wall of the intestine. In severe cases, ulcers may worsen and reduce the width of the small intestine considerably. As the passage narrows, it may obstruct the flow of food particles through the small intestine. The partially blocked small intestine will produce symptoms in the form of abdominal distention and nausea. Read more on Crohn's disease.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic condition that can also cause abdominal distention. Unfortunately, the damage caused by this disease to the liver is irreversible. This is a progressive disorder that slowly begins to destroy healthy liver cells that are eventually replaced by scar tissue. As the disease progresses, the body starts showing symptoms of edema, a condition that causes water retention. In this condition, water gets accumulated in the tissues of the body. Initially, fluid build up is seen in the ankles and the leg and eventually edema affects the abdominal cavity. That is why, liver cirrhosis patients in the later stages suffer from abdominal distention.

Hernia

Abdominal swelling can also be the result of hernia. In this condition, the soft tissues belonging to a part of the intestine, are seen protruding out of the weaker sections of the abdominal wall. As we all know, the abdominal muscles hold the intestinal tissues to their proper place. However, due to presence of weak spots in the abdominal wall, the tissue slip downwards. Hernia causes a lump or a bulge in the lower abdominal area. The hernia located in the lower abdomen and containing intestinal fat and tissue, can pose a great obstacle for the large intestine. This can lead to abdominal distention and infrequent bowel movement.

Surgery

Abdominal distention after surgery is an indication of incorrect procedure adopted to cure the abnormality. Surgery that has not been executed properly can cause accumulation of fluids in the abdominal area. In some cases, liver cirrhosis patients often complain about abdominal distention weeks after surgery. This is an indication of the surgical procedure having failed in its intended purpose. Also, a surgery that involves implanting drainage tubes, is known to cause abdominal hernia, which ultimately leads to abdominal distention.

Treatment for abdominal distention will begin only after the underlying cause has been found out. Avoiding gas causing foods and following good eating habits can help to prevent abdominal distention. The doctor will ask the patient for symptoms, which may help to diagnose the cause. People suffering from liver cirrhosis can take certain precautions and follow some do's and dont's in order to stop the progression of the disease