A distended abdomen can be caused by excess gas that commonly occurs from swallowing air while talking or chewing or due to a diet high in sugar and fats. It can also be caused by constipation.

A distended abdomen can also be a sign of gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or bowel obstruction, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, heartburn, or blood in the stool.

It is important to consult a gastroenterologist (GI specialist) or your primary care provider if you are experiencing abdominal distension that worsens, becomes constant, or is accompanied by other symptoms so that a cause can be identified and treatment started.

Why is my abdomen distended?

Answer the following questions to see what could be the cause of your distended abdomen:

This tool should only be used as a guide and does not take the place of a consultation with your doctor or other healthcare provider. Your doctor is responsible for making a diagnosis and coming up with a treatment plan.

Why is my abdomen distended?

The main causes of a distended abdomen include:

1. Excess gas

Excess gas is the most common cause of a distended abdomen and is typically the result of a diet high in fats, fried foods, or sweets.

Eating very spicy foods with excessive seasoning is another common cause of abdominal distension, as these foods stimulate the production of intestinal gas that can cause swelling in the lower abdomen.

How to treat:Eating slowly to prevent swallowing air while you eat and drinking lemon balm tea are simple, natural ways of decreasing the production of gas and getting rid of symptoms quickly. You can also try medications like simethicone (Gas-X) to help relieve gas.

Read about other home remedies for gas.

2. Constipation

Constipation can be the result of a low fiber diet, lack of physical exercise, and not drinking enough water. Constipation affects people of all ages and is more common in people who are sedentary or bedridden.

Symptoms of constipation include bloating and difficulty having a bowel movement. Constipation can also cause the abdomen to appear distended.

How to treat: eating fiber-rich foods can help relieve constipation and associated gas. This is because fiber helps the stool form and makes it easier to pass. Examples of high fiber foods include oats, muesli, bran, whole grain foods, and fruits and vegetables (either raw or cooked).

You can also try drinking a daily smoothie made with one cup of plain yogurt and half a papaya. This method can be used for people of all ages. Check out other home remedies for constipation.

3. Belly fat

In some cases, the abdomen may appear distended due to an accumulation of fat in that region. This will require lifestyle changes to help you lose weight and burn belly fat.

How to treat: daily exercise and a diet low in sugar and fats can help you lose weight, in addition to being monitored by your doctor and a registered dietitian.

4. Menstruation

Bloating and abdominal distension are common period complaints and are a symptom of PMS. This is due to an accumulation of fluids in the abdomen during this time that tends to resolve itself by the end of your period.

How to treat: consult a registered dietitian who can adjust your diet to help reduce these symptoms during your period.

5. Pregnancy

One early sign of pregnancy is abdominal distension below the navel (belly button) that may begin as early as a few days following a missed period. See early pregnancy symptoms.

It is normal for the lower belly to become more prominent during the first trimester. The belly will continue to grow and become more uniform over time, eventually growing big enough to almost reach the breasts.

How to treat: if you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or ask your doctor or primary care provider to order a beta HCG blood test to confirm the pregnancy. In the mean time, avoid taking any medications or teas without checking with your doctor first. If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN or midwife to initiate prenatal care, and start taking prenatal vitamins if you have not already.

6. Ascites

Ascites is a medical condition in which fluid collects in the abdomen. It is usually the result of liver problems like cirrhosis. Fluid can build up in the abdomen when organs like the liver and spleen are not functioning as well as they should. Learn about liver disease symptoms.

How to treat: it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or your primary care provider if you are concerned you may have ascites. An evaluation will need to be done to determine the cause of the problem and arrange for the most appropriate treatment.

7. Bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction happens when stool cannot pass through the intestines due to a blockage. It is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms include difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas, distended abdomen, and abdominal pain.

How to treat: treatment of a bowel obstruction will depend on the location of the blockage and the severity of symptoms. Treatment should be done in the hospital and may involve surgery.

8. GI problems

A distended abdomen can also be caused by GI problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis (UC), celiac disease, Crohn's disease, gastroesophageal disease (GERD), or peptic ulcers. These conditions can increase the amount of intestinal gas, leading to distension.

Other symptoms may be present with these conditions, such as heartburn or a burning sensation in the stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, or blood in the stool.

How to treat: it is important to see a gastroenterologist or your primary care provider in order to confirm a diagnosis and get started on the best treatment. Depending on the condition, medications like proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole and esomeprazole), antibiotics, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed.

9. Food intolerance

Food intolerance refers to difficulty digesting certain foods like milk, bread, or pasta, or food additives such as dyes or preservatives. This can cause abdominal distension, excess gas, diarrhea, nausea, or stomach cramps.

How to treat: it is important to identify which foods are causing your symptoms and to consult a gastroenterologist or your primary care provider to confirm the diagnosis. A registered dietitian can develop an individualized diet plan for you based on your results.

10. Fluid retention

Fluid retention is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body, which can lead to a bloated or distended abdomen. Fluid retention can also affect the legs, feet, ankles, face, arms, hands and back.

This condition can be caused by hormonal changes (from PMS or pregnancy, for example) excessive salt intake, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease or kidney failure.

How to treat: You should see a doctor if you suspect your are retaining fluid, especially if your urine output decreases and your skin is puffy.

Fluid retention can be reduced by ensuring adequate fluid intake, elevating your legs, reducing your salt intake and performing light exercise. These measures can help to improve circulation, which can also prevent fluid retention.

Patients with fluid retention caused by high blood pressure a cardiac problem, the doctor may prescribe compression stocks and antihypertensive or diuretic medications.