How long can abdominal distention last

Chest pain, high fever, and bleeding are all typically signs that something…. Bloating is a common digestive problem, usually caused by certain foods and ingredients. Here are 11 evidence-based ways to reduce bloating. After a night out drinking, you may notice bloating in your face, which is often accompanied by redness. This happens because alcohol dehydrates the….

When should you see a doctor for bloating and back pain? Learn what causes these symptoms and how to manage pain at home. Learn the ins and outs of MRI vs. X-ray imaging tests, including the pros and cons of each test, how they compare to CT scans, how much they cost, and….

Paracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. This fluid buildup is called ascites. Learn about preparation, recovery…. Learn more. An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen. This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions.

Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Causes Treatment Seeking help Overview A swollen abdomen occurs when your stomach area is larger than normal. What causes abdominal swelling? What are the treatment options for abdominal swelling?

When should I seek medical attention? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. The list of organic disorders that can cause bloating and distension also includes celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, prior gastroesophageal surgery such as fundoplication or bariatric procedures , gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis, ascites, gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancy, hypothyroidism, adiposity, small intestine diverticulosis, and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

Gut-brain interaction disorders associated with bloating and distension include IBS , chronic idiopathic constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, functional dyspepsia and functional bloating. According to Drs. Lacy and co-authors, some individuals with these diagnoses have a visceral sensory disorder that causes them to perceive that their bodies are producing an excessive amount of gas. These patients can have a conscious perception of intraluminal content and abdominal distension that may contribute to symptomatic bloating.

Bloating and distension can also be triggered by an abnormal viscerosomatic reflex. This reflex controls gas clearance and involves the contraction and relaxation of diaphragm and abdominal wall muscles. In individuals who have an abnormal response to a normal release of intestinal gas, the diaphragm descends or contracts inappropriately, and the abdominal wall muscles relax, allowing the abdomen to protrude.

Determining the etiology of abdominal bloating and distension can be challenging. For this reason, Dr. Lacy advises that acting like "good detectives" can help clinicians make an accurate diagnosis. Conducting a thorough clinical history and physical examination that includes the following details will help determine which type of testing may be needed:.

This is due to a build up of fluid in the tummy abdomen. The medical name for a build up of fluid in the abdomen is ascites pronounced ay-site-eez. A swollen tummy can be very uncomfortable, but a doctor can drain the fluid to make you more comfortable. Fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity.

This is the area of the body below the ribs and lungs and above the hip bones. It contains the stomach, small and large bowel, pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidneys. The fluid collects between the 2 layers of tissue that surround the abdominal organs.

These layers are called the peritoneum. One layer lines the wall of the abdomen. The other covers the organs. The peritoneum usually produces a small amount of fluid. This helps the organs in the abdomen to move smoothly. Sometimes a large amount of fluid builds up between the 2 layers, which makes the abdomen swell.

This can be very uncomfortable. The fluid causes swelling that can make the tummy feel tight and very uncomfortable.