Abdominal distension occurs when your belly feels swollen, tight or enlarged due to excess gas, fluid or tissue buildup inside the abdomen. It's different from weight gain-it's often a symptom of an underlying digestive or medical condition that deserves evaluation.
People with abdominal distension often experience:
Abdominal distension can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for abdominal distension and related conditions. Our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.
Ready to say goodbye to bloating and discomfort? Book your appointment today with our Houston gastroenterology team and start your journey to lasting relief.
We've successfully treated more than 381 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The ICD-10 code for abdominal distension is R14.0. This code is used to document the condition in medical records and for insurance purposes.
Distension is an acute swelling of the abdomen caused by gas, fluid, or tissue buildup. Body fat, by contrast, is stored adipose tissue that accumulates over time.
Yes. Excess gas or fluid can stretch the abdominal wall and put pressure on surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to lower back discomfort.
Post-surgical distension may result from reduced activity, changes in diet, anesthesia effects, or temporary bowel paralysis following the procedure.
Diagnosis typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and, if needed, imaging or lab tests. The R14.0 code helps guide treatment planning.
Yes. Simple measures include drinking warm water or herbal tea, taking gentle walks or stretches, avoiding carbonated drinks, and eating smaller, slower meals.
You should seek medical attention if bloating is severe, persistent, or accompanied by alarming symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, or vomiting.
Treatment duration varies by cause. Some people experience relief within days of dietary changes or medication, while others may need ongoing management and follow-up.
In rare cases, yes. Distension can be a sign of liver disease, bowel obstruction, or tumors. That's why expert evaluation is important when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Before your visit, note your symptoms and triggers, list current medications and recent procedures, and bring any prior test results or insurance information.
