Stomach distention is essentially swelling in the abdomen. Eating too much food is the most common cause of a bloated stomach. Other causes of bloating can range from weight gain and fluid retention to digestive and intestinal disorders. Treatment for bloating usually involves adjusting your diet to relieve bloating. When dietary changes prove insufficient, medications or surgery may be prescribed.
Weight gain and pregnancy are situations that are expected to contribute to stomach swelling. Abdominal swelling can be irritating and uncomfortable. An increase in the size of the stomach is the main telltale sign of distention. Other symptoms may include cramps, a feeling of fullness, and abdominal tightness. Depending on the cause of the bloating, additional signs may include gas and constipation.
If you eat a large meal, your stomach can expand beyond its normal size, causing cramps that go away as the food is digested. Similarly, there can also be a buildup of gas that contributes to bloating. Besides overeating and physiological changes, there are other causes of stomach inflammation that require medical attention.
Poor absorption of dairy products, associated with lactose intolerance, can cause the stomach to expand when food is not digested in the stomach. If a person has an irritable bowel or an intestinal obstruction that prevents the elimination of waste, he may experience a progressive inflammation of the stomach that usually disappears once the obstruction is removed. Stomach bloating can be a symptom of other conditions, such as PMS and irritable bowel syndrome. Women may experience bloating if they have cysts or fibroids inside the uterus or ovaries.
Various diagnostic tests may be performed to determine the cause of abdominal swelling unrelated to overeating. The circumference, or circumference, of one's stomach can be measured and monitored to determine the rate at which distention occurs. Imaging tests, including an abdominal ultrasound and a computed tomography (CT) scan, are commonly used to determine the reason for the distention. In the case of suspected fibroids or cysts, the same imaging tests can be performed on the pelvic region. A lactose tolerance test may be performed if intolerance is suspected.
Bloating in the abdomen is usually relieved by changes in diet. People prone to bloating are often advised to avoid carbonated beverages and eating too quickly. If lactose intolerance is a factor, additional dietary changes may include limiting, substituting, or eliminating dairy depending on the severity of symptoms. Sometimes an increase in fiber intake may be recommended if constipation is contributing to bloating. When a more serious condition is related to stomach swelling, additional treatment may be necessary.
People with irritable bowel syndrome may be prescribed medications designed to relieve muscle spasms and constipation when dietary changes don't control bloating. If there is infection, antibiotics are given. In the case of intestinal blockage, placement of a catheter or surgery may be necessary to reduce distention and remove the obstruction. Treatment for fibroids or cysts that cause bloating can range from the use of oral contraceptives to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
If the cause of abdominal swelling goes undiagnosed and symptoms progress, serious complications can occur. People with intestinal blockage are at risk of jaundice, intestinal tear, and infection. Women with fibroids or cysts have a higher chance of anemia, infection, and excessive bleeding.