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What are the warning signs and when should you see a doctor about abdominal bloating?
2025-04-05 19:19:47 / JETË
If it occurs occasionally, abdominal bloating is most likely caused by overeating or gas.
However, if your stomach is bloated for a long time, it could be a more serious medical condition that requires a visit to the doctor.
Symptoms of abdominal distension
The main symptom of abdominal distension is a noticeable increase in the abdomen. It may also be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort, stomach pain, frequent shortness of breath, or gas.
Distension is different from bloating, which is a feeling of trapped gas or pressure in the abdomen, although the two symptoms often occur together.
You may notice that your stomach is bloated after eating gas-causing foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Excess gas in the intestines can also be caused by swallowing too much air while eating, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated beverages.
However, most cases of chronic (long-term) abdominal distension are not related to gas. The cause is not always completely clear and may involve several factors. Here are some of the most common:
Abdominal bloating is a common symptom of digestive disorders, including indigestion (dyspepsia), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease.
Although these conditions are different, they all affect how the digestive system works and can cause discomfort such as bloating.
If a digestive disorder is the cause of your abdominal distension, you will likely notice that your abdominal swelling is long-term (chronic) or recurs frequently, as well as other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and nausea.
Ascites is a condition that causes excess fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, causing it to swell. It is usually caused by liver problems, such as cirrhosis, but can also be related to other organs, the heart, kidneys, or other health problems.
With ascites, you may not notice any obvious symptoms at first. However, as the fluid begins to build up, the abdomen will appear more swollen. Some people also experience pain and shortness of breath.
Lactose intolerance means that your body is unable to digest or break down lactose, a sugar found naturally in milk and dairy products. As a result, you experience unpleasant symptoms after consuming milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Abdominal distension is a common symptom in this case, and the swelling occurs immediately after lactose ingestion. It may be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The stomach can also become bloated when there is an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the small intestine, a condition known as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). An excess of these microorganisms can cause increased gas production, which causes the small intestine to expand and makes the stomach appear bloated.
People who have had abdominal surgery or those with certain rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may be more prone to SIBO. In addition to abdominal distension, associated symptoms include abdominal pain and excessive gas.
When abnormal tissue grows in an internal organ, a tumor or cyst can develop, and both types of growths can lead to noticeable swelling in the abdominal area.
For example, an ovarian cyst can cause swelling in the lower abdomen on the side of the affected ovary. In most cases, these cysts do not cause symptoms.
Uterine fibroids are usually benign tumors. If they grow, the lower abdomen can become larger, although most fibroids also do not cause symptoms.
Although a less common cause of abdominal distension, ovarian cancer can also cause abdominal swelling. In addition, there may be pain and pressure in the area.
If abdominal swelling is noticeable when standing but disappears or decreases when lying down, weak abdominal muscles may be the cause. This condition is more common in women who have been pregnant, as during pregnancy the abdominal muscles stretch and lose tone.
Occasional abdominal swelling is usually not a cause for concern, but if you notice it getting worse, your abdomen is tender to the touch, or you have additional symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, blood in your stool, or difficulty eating, you should contact your doctor.
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