A distended stomach is when the stomach swells or expands from the pressure within it. It is not usually associated with pain however in some cases cramps are known to occur as well as the feeling of nausea.
Most people whom suffer from a distended stomach describe their stomach as feeling uncomfortably full and have the excessive need to pass gas.
There are many contributing factors to a swollen stomach that can range from moderate to more serious cases and it is for that very reason why one should never ignore re-occurring stomach distension.
Most people usually associate a swollen stomach with over eating and aerophagia (excessive air swallowing) and while this may be true, they are not the only culprits.
A distended stomach can be caused by irritable bowl syndrome where the body passes food too quickly or too slowly leaving the stomach bloated and tender.
Distended Stomach – The Causes and How to Settle
People who suffer from lactose intolerance may also experience stomach distention at times because their bodies lack an enzyme which is needed to metabolize lactose and that is why they also tend to suffer from stomach bloating. Severe constipation is almost always accompanied with uncomfortable stomach bloating as well as food poisoning.
Another reason why a person could suffer from a distended stomach is because they have a bowl obstruction, where the food is not passing through the intestines thus preventing the food from being digested properly or at all. Even some abdominal surgeries may cause the stomach to bloat as an after effect, for example; stomach; liver; kidney; gallbladder and even the removal of the appendix.
Heart failure and cirrhosis (a consequence of chronic liver disease) are also a cause of stomach distension. Both of these disorders cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen and create a sense of fullness leaving the stomach bloated. Women are more prone to bloating and often complain about these symptoms during menstruation.
It is thought that many individuals, who suffer from a bloated or swollen stomach, either have poor intestinal function or their stomachs are hypersensitive to gut sensations.
How to Manage a Distended Stomach
People who suffer from an occasional distended stomach do not need to consult a physician because home remedies and over the counter medications usually help to soothe the condition. Simple eating habits and diet changes will help to keep stomach bloating to a minimum.
However, if the condition persists and happens more often than not, it is advisable to seek medical advice because it can mean that you may be suffering from something a lot more serious. Ovarian cancer, liver disease, hookworm disease and even kidney stones may lead to stomach distention, so do not ignore your symptoms as they could be life threatening.