Intestinal distension is when the stomach expands noticeably, often due to an underlying medical condition. It can be treated with laxatives, a healthy diet, and exercise. It can also be caused by physical objects, tumors, or paralytic ileus.
Intestinal distention is also commonly called abdominal distension and occurs when a person’s stomach expands noticeably, often in a short period of time. This condition may be temporary or a person may experience frequent bouts of distension. It is typically attributable to an underlying medical condition, such as obesity or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients who frequently experience distension should see their doctors to diagnose the underlying cause and determine a treatment plan.
This condition is often confused with abdominal bloating, which occurs when a patient feels as if there is increased pressure in the area. The difference between bloating and distention is that distention causes a measurable increase in the circumference of a person’s stomach. It can often occur after eating a meal and may become progressively more noticeable over the course of several hours.
Patients who frequently experience bowel distention should consult their physicians. In many cases, it is quite simple to treat the underlying causes. Constipation can cause distension, which can be resolved with laxatives and a high-fiber diet. Obesity is another common cause, which can be addressed with a healthy weight loss plan that includes regular exercise and a low-fat diet.
Ascites can be another underlying cause of distension, which is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal region. A doctor may prescribe diuretics and a low-sodium diet for these patients. With other underlying causes, such as pregnancy, the only solution for bowel distension is to endure it for the duration of the pregnancy.
Intestinal distention can also be a result of irritable bowel syndrome. This ailment also causes stomach cramps, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Patients with IBS can help control their symptoms, including distension, by following their doctor’s dietary recommendations and taking medications. Regular exercise and stress management can also help relieve IBS symptoms.
Bowel distention can also have a physical cause. When the intestines are blocked, the contents cannot pass through the digestive tract, resulting in distension. The intestines can be obstructed by physical objects such as gallstones, impacted stool, and scar tissue or other abnormal tissue. Hernias, tumors, or volvulus, which is a twisted intestine, may also be the culprit.
A bowel obstruction can also refer to the inability of the intestines to function properly, even if there is nothing physically blocking them. This is called paralytic ileus and can be caused by certain medications, an abdominal infection, or a problem with blood circulation to the area. Electrolyte or mineral imbalances, injury or kidney disease can also cause intestinal distension. If the underlying cause can’t be addressed directly, a doctor may relieve the distention with a tube placed in the abdomen, or surgery may be needed to correct the obstruction.
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