Abdominal Distention

The area located between the chest and the pelvis, is called the abdomen. Abdominal distention is a condition in which 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 depending upon the underlying cause.

Overeating does cause bloating, which may lead to abdominal pain. Too much food intake during meals is likely to cause indigestion, which ultimately leads to increase in abdominal size after eating. To be frank, overeating and indigestion are interlinked and can cause abdominal discomfort.

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

Increase in the size of the abdominal area accompanied by diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of IBS. As the name implies, here the bowel (colon or small intestine) does not work properly, which may lead to frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation. In this condition, the person often complains about gas and abdominal cramps

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 a portion of the colon or small intestine where the inflammation is detected. In this condition, the ulcers are formed on the intestinal wall.

In severe cases, ulcers may worsen and reduce the width of the intestine considerably. As the passage narrows, it may obstruct the flow of intestinal content. The partially blocked intestine will cause symptoms that may manifest as increase in size of the abdominal area.

This is a progressive disorder that slowly begins to destroy healthy liver cells that are eventually replaced by scarred tissue. As the disease progresses, the body starts showing symptoms of edema, a condition in which 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 show relative increase in the abdomen-size.

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 make the abdominal area larger than normal, followed by infrequent bowel movement.

Abdominal belching 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. This eventually increases the size of the abdominal area.

Treatment will begin only after the underlying cause has been found out. The doctor will ask the patient for symptoms, which may help to diagnose the cause. In case, it is not a serious issue, home remedies like avoiding gas-causing foods and following good eating habits can help to prevent and cure abdominal belching.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.