Abdominal Distension

Abdominal Distension – General Information

Abdominal Distension also known as distended abdomen is a swelling of the abdominal cavity that leads to painful pressure over the internal organs and it can be a sign of other medical conditions, which include:

• Obstructed bowel – is an obstruction of the intestines, be it mechanical or functional and it can only be fixed with surgery.
• Lactose intolerance – means a low rate of lactase. Lactase is an enzyme which is needed in the metabolism of the lactose.
• Diverticulitis – is a common digestive disease localized in the large intestine.
• Ascites – is an over accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
• Polycystic Liver Disease – is a multitude of cysts in the normal liver tissue.
• Premenstrual Syndrome – is a conglomerate of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms which are related to the women’s menstrual cycle.
• Pregnancy
• Weight gain

The digestion consists of a series of chemical reaction that help in the breaking down of the food in smaller components from which we take our nutrients and also our energy. What remains is considered waste and is sent in the intestinal tract in order for it to be eliminated. A part of these waste components are odorless gases and in the normal conditions they are managed easily, but in abnormal circumstances they lead to Abdominal Distension that may become really uncomfortable. The conditions that lead to this accumulation of gases and also to Abdominal Distension are the following:

• Severe constipation
• Peritonitis
• Intestinal infection or obstruction
• Dyspepsia
• A big deficiency in potassium
• Hepatomegaly
• Ovarian cysts

Abdominal Distension – Symptoms

It is well known that any medical disorder (including Abdominal Distension) can trigger a variety of symptoms. Therefore, some of this medical condition's most uncommon symptoms have not been listed here. This is why we strongly recommend you to contact your personal health care provider whenever you develop any unusual, bothersome or unpleasant symptoms. Your personal physician will be able to tell you if you are suffering from Abdominal Distension or from any other medical disorder.
Here is a list of the most common symptoms of the Abdominal Distension:

• Abdominal pain.
• Abdominal swelling.
• Bowel problems such as: weight loss, poor appetite, tiredness, anemia, rectal bleeding, blood in the stools, dark stools.
• Belching.
• Flatulence.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramps, rigidity and hyperresonance.
• Visible peristalsis.
• pain in the upper abdomen.
• Stomach ache, bleeding, bruise, cramps, itch, pain and problems.
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Kidney and liver pain.
• Biliary colic.
• pain in the central abdomen and also in the lower abdomen.
• Epigastric pain.
• Flank pain.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting .
• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Indigestion.
• Gastroparesis that has the following symptoms: erratic blood glucose levels, gastroesophageal reflux, spasms of the stomach wall.
• Gastroenteritis, characterized by low grade fever, blood in vomit or stools, dehydration, abdominal pain.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Anal and meal symptoms.
• Malabsorption, characterized by abdominal pain, gas, fatigue, muscle cramps, bone and joint pain, easy bruising, night blindness.
• Intestinal Obstruction and hemorrhage that leads to breathe odor.

Abdominal Distension – Treatment

The treatment of Abdominal Distension is based on its underlying causes. The treatment in the case of the obstructed bowel is usually based on the insertion of a nasogastric tube, on the correction of the electrolyte abnormalities and of the dehydration and it usually requires hospitalization. In the complete obstruction of the bowel the only treatment is surgery and in the partial obstruction your intestine will be decompressed with the nasogastric tube and if it does not ameliorate in a few days then surgery is needed. The Abdominal Distension caused by the lactose intolerance is easy to treat. The small children who were born with lactase deficiency are not recommended to consume foods that contain lactose. The older children and adults should consume lactose but not in high quantities. For those patients who are allergic even to small doses of lactose there are lactase additives that can be bought from any drug store. These drugs are available without prescription but it is always better if the patients consult a doctor first. The majorities of the patients with diverticulosis have no or few symptoms and do not need any treatment. To prevent constipation patients are advised to have a fiber diet and to take fiber supplements. The patients who have mild symptoms of Abdominal Distension or bloating can get prescription of anti spasmodic drugs (such as chlordiazepoxide, dicyclomine and hyoscyamine. Patients are also recommended to avoid the consumption of nuts, corn and seeds in order to prevent the possible complications that can appear. When patients are diagnosed with diverticulosis they are usually prescribed antibiotics and when the symptoms are mild only oral antibiotics are sufficient. Here is a list of the possible antibiotics that can be prescribed:

• Ciprofloxacin.
• Metronidazole (Flagyl).
• Cephalexin.
• Doxycycline (vibramycin).

In the case that the diverticulosis does not respond to the antibiotics treatments then surgery is needed. During the surgery you will be performed a drainage of the collections of pus and if needed a resection of the part of the colon which contains diverticuli.
In cirrhotic patients the principal scope of the ascites’ treatment is the relief of the symptoms and the improvement of the general comfort by bed rest and other recommendation that your doctor will give you.
In the patients that have polycystic liver disease (that can lead to Abdominal Distension) usually no treatment is necessary, but in the case in which complications appear surgery is indicated. The surgery consists in the resection of the affected area.
The premenstrual symptoms can also lead to Abdominal Distension and the treatment in this case is very simple:

• Life style changes such as: the cut off of smoking and caffeine, get sufficient sleep, regularly exercises.
• Dietary changes such as: eating smaller meals, but often ones, reduce the intake of salt, sugar and fats.
• Take supplements of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and B6.
• Medical treatment includes: taking contraceptive pills, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics in order to minimize the possible fluid retention.