Abdominal distension is usually caused by excess gas, indigestion, constipation, or lactose intolerance, but it may be a sign of more serious conditions such as bowel obstruction or a buildup of fluid in the abdomen due to cirrhosis or cancer.
Depending on the cause, abdominal distension may be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, burping, and inability to pass gas.
It is important to talk to your doctor or primary care provider if you experience abdominal distension, especially if it happens frequently, does not resolve, or is accompanied by other symptoms. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the digestive tract. Cases of severe abdominal distension require emergency medical attention, especially when accompanied by vomiting or the inability to pass gas.
Common causes
The main causes of abdominal distension are:
1. Excess gas
Excess gas in the digestive tract (bowel) can lead to symptoms like abdominal distension, bellyache, frequent burping, and flatulence (passing gas), and in the majority of cases there is not a specific cause.
What to do: Abdominal distension related to gas tends to improve as soon as the excess gas is eliminated. It is important to talk to your doctor or primary care provider if you experience frequent symptoms of excess gas or symptoms that do not go away. Treatment with medications such as simethicone or laxatives may be indicated to help relieve symptoms.
Recommendations to prevent excess gas include not overeating and avoiding drinking liquids during meals. Other recommendations include decreasing the intake of fatty foods and complex carbs like beans and peas. Read about foods to reduce bloating.
2. Indigestion
Abdominal distension is common with indigestion, which may cause other symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount of food).
What to do: Make sure to consult your doctor or primary care provider if you have symptoms of indigestion, especially if they happen frequently. Treatment may include the use of antibiotics, antacids, or medications to help move food through the stomach into the intestines (gastric emptying). Learn more about what to take for indigestion.
It is also recommended to try to identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
3. Constipation
Constipation can cause mild abdominal distension in some people, especially after going a long time without having a bowel movement. Constipation typically causes other symptoms such as hard stool and abdominal discomfort.
What to do: Abdominal distension related to constipation typically improves after having a bowel movement. It is recommended to see your doctor or other primary care provider if you experience frequent constipation. Medications like laxatives may be indicated to help empty your bowels. Read about home remedies for constipation.
Other recommendations include increasing the amount of water and fiber in your diet to make it easier to have a bowel movement. Read about food for constipation relief.
4. Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance can cause symptoms such as mild abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptoms are caused by difficulty digesting lactose and can develop up to 2 hours after eating foods like milk or cheese.
What to do: Abdominal distension related to lactose intolerance tends to improve as soon as lactose is eliminated from the intestines. To prevent symptoms, it is recommended for people who are lactose intolerant to avoid consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose.
If symptoms persist or are severe, consult your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist to confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance. Medications may be prescribed that contain enzymes to help the body digest lactose.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
People with irritable bowel syndrome can present with abdominal distension and other symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Symptoms may appear after eating certain foods.
What to do: See your family doctor or primary care provider if you experience IBS symptoms. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist. Treatment depends on symptoms and may include dietary changes and/or the use of antidepressants, laxatives, or probiotics. Read about what to eat and avoid as part of the IBS diet.
6. Fluid buildup in the abdomen
Abdominal distension can be a sign of fluid buildup in the abdomen. This condition, also known as ascites, can be the result of excessive alcohol consumption and obesity in some people but may also be a sign of cirrhosis or cancer.
What to do: It is important to consult a doctor or primary care provider to confirm a diagnosis, as treatment will depend on the specific cause.
In the most severe cases, treatment may involve draining fluid from the abdomen in order to relieve the abdominal distension.
7. Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction is a serious condition that commonly leads to abdominal distension. It is common to experience other symptoms with a bowel obstruction such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
What to do: People with symptoms of a bowel obstruction need to be seen in the Emergency Department right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Admission to the hospital is usually necessary in order to monitor the condition and manage symptoms. Doctors will assess response to treatment and whether the obstruction can improve on its own without surgery, which is indicated in the most severe cases.