Abdominal Distension - Gastroenterology of Westchester LLC
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Abdominal Distension

What Is Abdominal Distension?
People typically discover they have abdominal distension when the width of their belly becomes noticeably increased. The increase in the width of the belly is caused by abdomen swelling and usually leaves a person feeling bloated. It is not uncommon for patients to describe their condition by saying, β€œit feels like there is a balloon in my stomach.” While the bloating sensation does typically accompany abdominal distension, distension is different because of how prominent the overextension or swelling of the abdomen is to the eye. Abdominal distension can give others the impression that a person is pregnant due to the increased size of the stomach.

 

How Does Abdominal Distension Occur?
There are many reasons people may experience abdominal distention. These reasons include:

  • Too Much Gas in the Intestine
  • Intolerance to a Food
  • Increased Bacterial and Microorganism Levels in the Small Intestine
  • Liver Disease
  • Antibiotics
  • Polyps
  • Fibroids
  • Gastroparesis
  • Uterine Disorders

 

How Do Medical Professionals Diagnose Abdominal Distension?
When people experience the widening of the length of their stomach, one of our expert medical professionals will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the issue. A patient should expect to be asked about any symptoms they have experienced, which can include nausea, vomiting, excessive gas or irregular bowel movements. Your doctor will also want to understand if the symptoms increase after certain dietary choices. It is important to determine the root cause of abdominal distension, so your doctor will run tests that can include everything from blood work and x-rays to an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Once the root cause is discovered and diagnosed, your doctor will create a customized treatment plan that addresses your exact needs. If you believe you are experiencing abdominal distention, make an appointment with the expert physicians here at Gastroenterology of Westchester. Our team looks forward to creating a treatment plan to provide you with relief from all symptoms associated with abdominal distension.