Stomach distension, or bloating, can be caused by overeating, weight gain, fluid retention, digestive issues, and more. Treatment involves dietary changes, medication, or surgery. Diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the cause. Complications can occur if left untreated.
Stomach distension is essentially bloating in the abdomen. Consuming too much food is the most common cause of stomach distension. Other causes of distention can range from weight gain and fluid retention to digestive and intestinal upset. Treatment for this condition generally involves adjusting your diet to relieve swelling. When dietary changes prove insufficient, medications may be prescribed or surgery performed.
Weight gain and pregnancy are situations that supposedly contribute to stomach bloating. Abdominal bloating can be irritating and annoying. An increase in stomach size is the primary telltale sign of distention. Other symptoms may include cramping, a feeling of fullness, and abdominal tightness. Depending on the cause of one’s distention, further signs may include gas and constipation.
If you eat a large meal, your stomach can expand beyond its normal size, leading to cramping that eases as the food is digested. Likewise, a buildup of gas may also occur which contributes to distension. In addition to overeating and physiological changes, there are other causes of stomach bloating that require medical attention.
Dairy malabsorption, associated with lactose intolerance, can cause the stomach to expand when food is left undigested in the stomach. If a person has irritable bowel or intestinal obstruction that hinders waste elimination, they may experience progressive stomach swelling that usually goes away once the obstruction is removed. Stomach distension can be a symptom of other conditions, including PMS and irritable bowel syndrome. Women may experience stomach distention if they have cysts or fibroids inside the uterus or ovaries.
Several diagnostic tests may be performed to determine the cause of the bloating that is unrelated to overeating. The girth, or girth, of one’s stomach can be measured and monitored to determine how quickly distention occurs. Imaging tests, including an abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan, are commonly used to pinpoint the reason for the distention. If fibroids or cysts are suspected, the same imaging tests can be done on the pelvic region. If an intolerance is suspected, a lactose tolerance test can be performed.
Bloating in the abdomen is usually relieved with dietary changes. Individuals prone to this condition are often advised to avoid carbonated drinks and eat too quickly. If lactose intolerance is a factor, further dietary modifications may include limiting, substituting, or eliminating dairy products depending on the severity of symptoms. Sometimes, an increase in fiber intake may be recommended if constipation contributes to bloating. When a more serious condition is linked to stomach bloating, additional treatment may be required.
Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome may be prescribed medications designed to relieve muscle spasms and constipation when dietary changes fail to control bloating. If infection is present, antibiotics are given. If intestinal blockage occurs, catheter placement or surgery may be required to reduce distension and clear the obstruction. Treatment for fibroids or cysts that cause stomach distention can range from using oral contraceptives to surgery depending on the severity of your condition.
If the cause of the bloating goes undiagnosed and symptoms progress, serious complications can occur. Those with an intestinal blockage are at risk of jaundice, intestinal watery eyes, and infection. Women with fibroids or cysts have a higher chance of anemia, infection and excessive bleeding.
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