Abdominal distension means your stomach looks or feels bigger than usual. It's not just bloating-your belly may stretch from gas, fluid, or pressure inside. This swelling can feel tight or full and may be visible.
People with abdominal distension often notice:
This condition has many possible causes:
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.
Don't let bloating or a swollen belly slow you down. Book your appointment today with GastroDoxs in Cypress and get the relief you deserve. We're here to help you feel better-step by step.
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 official ICD-10 code for abdominal distension is R14.0. It's used by healthcare providers and insurance companies to document and bill for bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Yes. Large ovarian cysts can exert pressure on surrounding organs and tissues, leading to a visibly swollen or distended abdomen and discomfort.
Bloating after exercise can result from swallowing excess air, dehydration, or muscle fatigue in the abdominal wall, all of which can make your belly feel tight or swollen.
A differential diagnosis may include gas accumulation, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ascites, bowel obstruction, hernias, or gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts.
Treatment for older adults often focuses on gentle dietary adjustments, adequate hydration, mild physical activity, and addressing any underlying issues like slowed digestion or medication side effects.
You should consult a specialist if you experience severe or persistent distension accompanied by intense pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.
Yes. Mild cases often improve with simple measures such as walking after meals, peppermint or ginger tea, a warm heating pad, and avoiding known trigger foods.
Absolutely. Stress can alter gut motility and increase sensitivity in the digestive tract, leading to more gas production, cramps, and a feeling of distension.
Mild, acute distension typically resolves within a few hours to days. Chronic or recurrent cases may require ongoing lifestyle changes and medical management.
To pinpoint the root cause, your gastroenterologist may order blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopy, or stool studies based on your symptoms and physical exam.
