Abdominal distension

Abdominal Distension

Abdominal distension (/æbˈdɒmɪnəl dɪˈstɛnʃən/) is a medical condition characterized by an increase in the size or volume of the abdomen. It is often associated with discomfort or pain and may be caused by a variety of medical conditions.

Etymology

The term "abdominal distension" is derived from the Latin words abdomen meaning "belly" and distendere meaning "to stretch out".

Causes

Abdominal distension can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroparesis
• Ascites
• Ovarian cyst
• Pregnancy
• Overeating
• Constipation
• Lactose intolerance
• Celiac disease

Symptoms

In addition to an increase in the size or volume of the abdomen, symptoms of abdominal distension may include:

• Bloating
• Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abdominal distension typically involves a physical examination and may also include:

• Medical history
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies such as Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• Endoscopy

Treatment

Treatment for abdominal distension depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Dietary changes
• Medication
• Surgery

See Also

• Abdominal pain
• Bowel obstruction
• Ascites
• Gastroenterology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Abdominal distension
• Wikipedia's article - Abdominal distension

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