Usually, distended stomach is described as the increase in stomach girth. In general, it will result from the increase of intra-abdominal pressure which is responsible for pushing the abdominal wall and will cause the stomach to distend. There is a variety of reasons for a distended stomach or termed as abdominal distension.
This distension will often be accompanied by bloating which is the feeling that we will have because of abdominal distention. On the other hand, distended stomach refers to the actual increase in the abdominal size. At times, stomach distention will be the result of minor problems such as intestinal gas while there are times when it can happen because of serious conditions such as fluid accumulation as well as the enlargement of organs within the abdominal region.
Distended Stomach Causes and Symptoms
As previously mentioned already, distended stomach and bloating are in general caused by intestinal gas. This will be the result of air being swallowed through the mouth and the incomplete digestion of some foods. There are several individuals who are facing the problem of distended stomach after eating. This arises due to excessive eating, indigestion as well as intolerance to some foods. A lot of times, stomach distention will also be due to weight gain or obesity. Conversely, women may also acquire this kind of condition prior to or during the menstrual period.
However, distended stomach may also be an indication of some major health conditions particularly if the distention will last for quite a long period of time. The disease or health conditions which may be related with distended stomach include
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Bowel obstruction
- Chron’s disease
- Ovarian cyst
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Intolerance to certain foods
- Food allergies
- Ovarian cancer
- Tumor in the abdomen
- Uterine fibroids
- Peritonitis
- Ascites or accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
- Constipation
- Intestinal parasites
- Diverticulitis
- Amoebiasis
- Celiac disease
- Colitis
Fluid which has accumulated inside the peritoneal cavity can occur because of peritoneal carcinomatosis, congestive heart failure and liver cirrhosis. There are times when flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain and gas will accompany the distended stomach. These are actually among the most common symptoms of distended stomach. Nevertheless, in certain occasions the stomach distention may also be accompanied with bleeding from the anus or rectal bleeding, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss and vomiting. When the distended stomach will be accompanied with flatulence, bloating and gas, this will be caused by intestinal gas and also ingestion. Learn more regarding the causes of abdominal bloating as well as bloating in the stomach.