A distended abdomen is usually related to poor digestion, intolerance to certain foods or excess gas. However, distension can also be a sign of parasitic or bacterial infections, such as H. pylori, which should be treated as guided by a gastroenterologist.

A distended abdomen that is is persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or weight loss should especially be assessed by a doctor

Distension does not typically occur with serious health problems, but it can be uncomfortable, which is important to identify the underlying cause. The doctor may advise changes to eating habits or treatment with medication.

Common causes

A distended abdomen can occur due to:

1. Excessive gas

Excessive gas can lead to discomfort and abdominal distension, as well as general malaise and a feeling of a bloated stomach. The increase in gas production is usually related to lifestyle habits, such as not exercising, drinking too many carbonated drinks and eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as cabbage, broccoli, beans and potatoes.

Learn more about which foods cause more gas and can lead to abdominal distension.

What to do: The best way to get rid of excessive gas and relieve symptoms is by adopting healthier habits, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a lighter diet. Check-out other ways to get rid of gas and relieve bloating and distension.

2. Food intolerance

Some people may have an intolerance to a specific type of food, which results in the body having difficulty digesting that food. Food intolerances can lead to symptoms such as excess gas, abdominal pain, nausea and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

What to do: If you notice that you have symptoms after consuming certain foods, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist to confirm a diagnosis. If confirmed, it is important to avoid consuming the foods that trigger symptoms.

3. Infections

Gastrointestinal infections can range from viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, and can present with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and distended abdomen.

One example of a bacterial infection is an H. pylori infection, which is a bacteria that can be present in the stomach and lead to the formation of ulcers, constant heartburn, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and excessive intestinal gas. Read more about H. pylori symptoms and how they can present.

What to do: It is important to see a gastroenterologist for testing to determine the cause of the infection, which will help to guide the best treatment approach. Parasitic infections may be treated with albendazole or mebendazole, which are taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Cases of an H. pylori infection can be treated with antibiotics and gastroprotective medications, as well as an H. pylori diet as recommended by a registered dietitian.

4. Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is the slow and difficult digestion of food that may be related to the consumption of irritating foods (such as coffee, soft drinks, highly seasoned or spicy foods), intense emotions (such as stress, anxiety or depression), and the use of certain medications (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen, corticosteroids or antibiotics). Dyspepsia may also be related to the presence of an H. pylori infection.

What to do: Treatment for dyspepsia is aimed at managing symptoms. With this condition, many patients may find relief by changing their eating habits, opting for lighter meals and nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

Dyspepsia caused by H. pylori typically resolves once the infection is cured.

5. Eating too quickly

Eating too quickly and not chewing sufficiently can prevent the stomach from sending signals to the brain to notify that it is full. This can lead to over-eating and weight gain, as well as a distended abdomen, indigestion and heartburn.

Nt chewing enough also prevents the food from being digested properly in the stomach, which can slow down intestinal flow and lead to constipation, burping and gas.

What to do: A distended abdomen caused by eating too quickly can be managed by eating in a calm and quiet environment, chewing food 20 to 30 times and stopping between each bite. You can try to leave the cutlery on the table between bites to help slow down your meal.

6. Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that can affect any part of the stomach. It causes symptoms such as constant heartburn, nausea, vomiting, weakness, unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite and a feeling of fullness and bloating, especially after meals. It also causes swelling of the left supraclavicular ganglion, also called Virchow's ganglion, which is highly suggestive sign of gastric cancer.

What to do: Treatment for stomach cancer typically involves with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Depending on the severity, size and location of the tumor in the stomach, it may be necessary to surgically remove part or all of the organ. In addition, it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining balanced diet and exercising regularly to prevent the progression of the disease.

7. Bezoar

A bezoar is an accumulation of undigested material that accumulates in the stomach and can cause inflammation, bloating, ulcer formation and digestive bleeding. Although bezoars are not very common, they can occur more easily in people with eating disorders, abnormal gastric emptying and in post-surgical situations. The compounds accumulated in the stomach can be hair, undigested food fibers, seeds, some medications or milk proteins.

What to do: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist so that a diagnosis can be made and the best treatment can be initiated. Treatment may involve eliminating the bezoar through chemical dissolution, endoscopic extraction or surgery.

When to see a doctor

Although it is not serious in most cases, it is important to see a gastroenterologist so that the cause of abdominal distension can be determined and the best treatment can be determined. It is essential to see a doctor if:

The distension is persistent
Other symptoms occur, such as diarrhea, vomiting or bleeding
There is weight loss without any apparent cause
The symptoms do not improve after treatment prescribed by the doctor

If the distended abdomen is related to a diet-related issue, the gastroenterologist may recommend a consult with a registered dietitian to assess current eating patterns and recommend an optimal diet plan.

A distended abdomen that is related to infection may be related to antiparasitic or antibiotic medications, which depends on the infectious agent identified, as well as gastroprotective medications, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole.