Distended Stomach

A distended stomach normally refers to an increase in the girth of the stomach. It normally results because of an escalation in pressure intra-abdominal which drives the wall of the abdomen out as well as being the reason why the stomach distends. There can be a diversity of reasons for a distended stomach. This distension is usually accompanied with bloating, that is the sensation that comes with distension of the abdomen. The distended stomach also refers to a definite increase in the dimensions of the abdomen. Often, stomach distension may be caused by problems which are minor like gas in the intestines while at some other times, it takes place due to serious circumstances like the accumulation of fluid as well as the extension of organs in the region of the abdomen.

Common Symptoms of a Distended Stomach

Abdomen distention is often accompanied with various other symptoms and signs. Distended stomachs along with the other symptoms are an aid to diagnosing the condition. The symptoms and signs that often accompany abdominal distention are:

• Excess burping and flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Changes in hormones in the body
• The absence of menstruation in females
• A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• Frequent urination at night
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Irritability

The treatment of a distended stomach is based on the cause of the condition. Diagnosis is the main thing, after which only a suitable treatment can be given. A single treatment method is not necessarily required to treat the distended abdomen especially since it has many causes.

One should consult a medical professional if the abdomen is tender to the touch, or if swelling of the abdomen gets worse and if there are multiple symptoms.

What Causes Distended Stomach?

A distended stomach or abdomen has many reasons. Different disease conditions may lead to this problem. As mentioned already, distended bloating of the stomach is usually caused by intestinal gas. Intestinal gas may be a result of air being swallowed through the mouth or due to incompletion of the breakdown of certain foods. Many individuals seem to have this difficulty of a stomach that is distended after eating, that could be a consequence of overeating, intolerance of some foods as well as indigestion. At times distention of the stomach may similarly be triggered by gaining weight or obesity. Women can suffer from this condition before or during menstruation.

But, distention of the stomach can as well be a symptom of many main health conditions, particularly when the enlargement continues for a significant length of time. The diseases or health problems that can be linked to distended stomach are:

• Food allergies
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Constipation
• Food intolerance
• Bowel obstruction
• Diverticulitis
• Intestinal parasites
• Amebiasis
• Crohn’s disease
• Colitis
• Ovarian cyst
• Celiac disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Tumor in the abdomen
• Ovarian cancer
• Peritonitis
• Fibroids in the uterus
• Ascites – a buildup of fluid in the cavity of the peritoneal
• Prior abdominal surgery
• Poor peristaltic movements of food
• Increase acidity in the stomach
• Pregnancy
• Malnutrition disease

Peritoneal cavity fluid may accumulate because of congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Other rare diseases that can cause distended stomach include:

• Coccidiosis
• Diverticulitis
• Hookworm disease
• Giardiasis

Treatment

Physicians usually look for indications as well as conduct a very detailed physical exam to discover, if the stomach distension is because of indigestion and gas or some further medical problem. If stomach distension is sporadic, it is usually credited to an intensification of intestinal gas. But, nonstop distension of the stomach for a significant period can be a signal of major health problems. Such a situation normally requires some wide-ranging analytical test, for example:

• X-rays of stomach and intestine
• MRI
• CT scan
• Ultrasound of abdominal region
• Specific tests for malabsorption as well as food intolerance

The management for distended stomach may be directed by underlying conditions. A case of indigestion or intestinal gas can be helped with a few daily life as well as dietary modifications.

Eating fruit which is fresh, vegetables and a diet rich in fiber can help problems of the digestive tract. Evading eating excessive amounts of treated foods, as well as greasy or fatty foods also can help to ease stomach bloating and distension.

Exercising regularly is an additional way to manage digestive health as well as intestinal gas and indigestion. But, if a distended stomach is triggered by other conditions than gas, then treatment approaches which are different are required, and these would be solely determined by the causal condition.

Therefore, correct identification of the underlying condition is of the highest importance for the appropriate management of the distended stomach. If it is erratic, then the individual should be able to gain relief with consistent exercising together with a balanced diet. But if the stomach is distended for a long time and also accompanied by diarrhoea, constipation vomiting as well as rectal bleeding, then perhaps it is time to contemplate visiting your physician. Such a situation can be a symptom of diseases that are more severe and need to be properly appraised and treated on time.

Distended Stomach Pictures