Abdominal Distension

Abdominal distension is the swelling or enlarging of the abdomen in

the area between the ribs and the groin. Abdominal distension is
symptom of a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders
and conditions. Abdominal distension can result
frominfection, malignancy, inflammation, trauma,fluid retention,
obstruction and other abnormal processes. Abdominal distension
can also be normal when it is due topregnancy.
Abdominal distension can occur in any age group or population.
Abdominal distension can be due to a mild condition, such as
mildindigestion or overeating. Abdominal distension can also
happen in a moderate condition, disorder or disease, such
aspremenstrual syndrome, colic or beingoverweight. Abdominal
distension can also be due to serious, even life-threatening
conditions or trauma, including blunt abdominal trauma, abdominal
cancer,congestive heart failure, intestinal obstructionor kidney
failure.
Depending on the cause, abdominal distension can be short-term
and disappear quickly, such as when abdominal distension occurs
after a single episode of overeating and indigestion. Abdominal
distension can also be recurring over a longer period of time, such
as when abdominal distension is due to premenstrual syndrome.
Abdominal distention can be acute and occur relatively quickly,
such as in peritonitis. Abdominal pain may also be ongoing over a
period of time, such as inascites that is due to cirrhosis of the liver.
Abdominal distension can be the result of a wide variety of
gastrointestinal or digestive conditions. These
include constipation, pancreatic cancer and food poisoning.
Abdominal distention can also result from an enlarged
prostate and urinary retention.
Abdominal distension generally occurs in conjunction with other
symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease,
disorder or condition. Other common symptoms may

include nausea,vomiting, diarrhea and gas. The underlying disorder,

disease or condition that is causing abdominal distension can cause
complications, some of which can be serious, even life-threatening.
For more details about symptoms and complications, see symptoms
of abdominal distension.
Diagnosing abdominal distension and its root cause begins with
taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including
symptoms, and completing a physical examination. Diagnosis may
also include a complete blood count, which can help to determine if
an infectious process, such as food poisoning is present. A
chemistry panel is a blood test that can evaluate if abdominal
distension coupled with vomiting and/or diarrhea has lead to the
complications of dehydration orelectrolyte imbalance. An
urinanalysis can also help to determine dehydration and
ifglomerulonephritis or kidney failure may be causing abdominal
distension.
Making a diagnosis may also include performing a variety of other
tests to help to diagnose other potential underlying diseases,
conditions or disorders, such as ovarian cancer, congestive heart
failure, abdominal trauma, and cirrhosis of the liver. Depending on
the suspected cause, tests can include additional blood tests,
culture and sensitivity of stool, and imaging tests such as X-ray, CT
scan, nuclear scans, MRI, biopsy, and endoscopy.
In an endoscopy procedure, a special lighted instrument is passed
into the area or areas of the gastrointestinal system that are
suspected to be the cause of the abdominal distension and other
symptoms. This instrument, called an endoscope, takes pictures of
the digestive tract and/or sends images to a computer monitor.
A diagnosis of abdominal distension and its cause can easily be
delayed or missed because abdominal distension may be mild or
intermittent and for other reasons. For information on misdiagnosis,
refer to misdiagnosis of abdominal distension.

Treatment of abdominal distension involves diagnosing and treating

the underlying disease, disorder or condition that is causing it.
Some conditions can be easily and successfully treated and cured,
while others may require more intensive treatment and may not
have an optimal prognosis.