Abdominal Distension: Symptoms, Causes & When to Seek Care

If your abdomen is feeling unusually swollen or bloated, it can feel uncomfortable and sometimes worrying. 

Most of the time, abdominal swelling caused by digestive issues will eventually settle on its own. However, in some cases, the abdominal distension could be a sign of another, more serious underlying health issue. Knowing what is normal, what is not, and when to get medical advice can help you feel more prepared and at ease if symptoms appear.

What does it mean if you have abdominal distension? 

Abdominal distension is a condition where your abdomen becomes noticeably swollen or enlarged, making your stomach feel tight, full, or stretched. Unlike mild bloating that comes and goes, abdominal distension is often visible and may persist for hours or longer.

It can happen when gas, fluid, stool, or enlarged organs build up inside your abdomen. You may encounter abdominal distension suddenly (over minutes or hours) or over days or weeks. 

Symptoms of abdominal distension include:

• Your abdomen appears unusually large or protruded, sometimes with an increased abdominal girth

• You feel heavy or bloating in your stomach, sometimes even after small meals

• Your abdomen may feel firm or tense rather than soft when touched

• You have abdominal discomfort, ranging from mild bloating to abdominal cramps

• You experience changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea

• You can find breathing more difficult in more severe cases 

Because these symptoms can sometimes linger, it’s important to listen to your body. If they begin to feel more severe or worrying, please seek medical advice promptly so you can get the care and reassurance you need.

Do you have abdominal distension or bloating?

As both conditions affect your abdomen and may share similar symptoms and causes, knowing the differences can help you seek medical care at the right time.

While both can make your stomach feel uncomfortable, the key difference is that abdominal distension causes visible swelling of the abdomen. 

What are the causes of abdominal distension?

Many factors can trigger abdominal distension, ranging from the food you eat to how your body responds to stress. While many causes are temporary, others require professional medical intervention:

• Food poisoning: 

  • Occurs when you consume food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites 

  • Often causes bloating, upset stomach, and cramps within hours or days of eating. 

• Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis): 

  • Often caused by harmful viruses like norovirus. 

  • Develops more gradually and often spreads from person to person. 

• Internal bleeding: 

  • A dangerous cause of distension

  • Happens when blood builds up inside your abdominal cavity, often after an accident or injury. 

• Bowel obstruction: 

  • Happens when your intestines are blocked, preventing waste and gas from moving through.

  • Your abdomen may swell quickly and feel very tight or painful.

• Fluid accumulation (ascites): 

  • Fluid builds up inside your abdomen and can leak and build up in the abdomen. 

  • Often a sign of underlying issues with the liver, heart, or kidneys. 

• Infections: 

  • Infections affecting the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease, can cause your body to react and swell rapidly.

• Gynaecological causes:

  • In some individuals, abdominal distension may be linked to ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids, which can increase abdominal size and pressure.

Besides these medical conditions, you may also have abdominal distension due to these temporary triggers:

• Ongoing stress

• Not drinking enough water

• Eating too quickly or overeating

• Constipation

• Certain foods that cause gas, such as beans or carbonated drinks

• Hormonal changes, including during your menstrual cycle

• Sudden changes in diet

Many of these can also be the main causes of bloating, which is why you may get the two conditions confused. In some cases, both can occur at the same time, depending on how your body responds to the trigger.

What should you do if you have abdominal distension?

If you notice sudden abdominal swelling, it is important to stay calm. 

Follow these practical steps to assess the situation:

• Rest in a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down

• Stop eating solids foods until you no longer nausea or pressure in the abdomen

• Check for visible bruising, wounds, or recent injury to your abdomen

• Monitor your symptoms, including pain, tightness, or shortness of breath 

• Note if the pain is worsening or if it responds to simple measures

These simple steps can help you keep an eye on your swelling and understand whether it is settling as expected or needs a little extra attention, particularly if your abdomen starts to feel more uncomfortable or noticeably tighter.

When should you seek medical urgency?

Abdominal distension can be accompanied by warning signs that appear gradually over several hours or days. Children may not be able to clearly describe their symptoms, so if your child is affected by abdominal distension, stay alert for the following signs. 

Seek urgent medical care if:

• Your abdominal pain keeps getting worse or does not improve with rest

• You keep vomiting and cannot keep fluids down

• You develop a fever above 38.5°C, especially with a hard or tender abdomen

• You feel unusually confused, foggy, or slow to respond, along with significant bloating

• You suddenly feel weak, have trouble walking, or lose coordination

Seek medical care if your child:

• Looks visibly swollen in the abdomen or feels hard to the touch 

• Vomits repeatedly or refuses food and fluids

• Develops a fever or appears unusually sleepy or irritable

• Cries when the abdomen is touched or pulls their legs toward the tummy

• Shows reduced movement, weakness, or difficulty walking

While most people will not experience these symptoms, being aware of them can help you feel prepared and confident about when to seek advice.

What are the treatment options?

The way abdominal distension is treated depends on what’s causing it and how uncomfortable it feels for you. For many people, the symptoms ease with simple home care and a bit of time, but if they become more troublesome, medical support can help ensure you recover comfortably and safely.

Home care for mild cases

If your abdominal distension is mild and improving, you can take these simple steps at home to help relieve discomfort:

• Rest and avoid heavy meals

• Drink enough water to support digestion

• Eat smaller meals and avoid gas-producing foods

• Walk gently to help move gas through the intestines

• Manage constipation with fibre or stool-softening foods

These measures can help reduce swelling caused by digestion, stress, or temporary triggers.

Medications and professional care

In some instances, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription treatments to manage symptoms or treat the root cause.

• Pain and fever relief to reduce fever and ease general abdominal discomfort

• Anti-nausea medication if you are struggling to keep any fluids down

• Laxatives or stool softeners for constipation

• Antibiotics if your doctor confirms a specific bacterial infection

• Anti-diarrheals to control diarrhoea

However, use anti-diarrheals with caution, as they can actually trap harmful germs in your system. Do not use them if you have a high fever or bloody stools without medical advice.

Hospital treatment

If you are admitted to the hospital for abdominal distension, the medical team will first focus on understanding what is causing the swelling. 

You may be asked about:

• Your symptoms

• Medical history

• Recent meals

• Bowel habits

• Recent injuries or illnesses

For more serious causes such as bowel obstruction, internal bleeding, or severe dehydration, hospital care allows doctors to support your body while identifying the cause of the swelling.

• IV fluids if you are severely dehydrated

• Close monitoring and observation to assess how your body responds to treatment

• Minor procedures, such as surgery, to relieve pressure, remove a blockage, or stop bleeding if required

Your hospital can carry out detailed tests, including:

• CT scans to help identify the cause and location of the abdominal swelling

• Other imaging tests, such as X-rays, if needed

Most hospital stays are short, and you are usually discharged once your condition has stabilised and you are able to eat and drink comfortably again. It’s natural to have concerns at this stage, and the healthcare team is there to answer questions and make sure you feel comfortable before you go home.

Can abdominal distension be prevented?

Abdominal distension cannot always be prevented, especially when it is caused by medical conditions. 

However, you can reduce your risk by making small changes that support healthy digestion, including:

• Eat slowly and avoid overeating

• Drink enough water throughout the day

• Limit foods and drinks that cause gas, such as carbonated beverages

• Manage stress, as it can affect digestion 

• Maintain regular bowel habits to prevent constipation

• Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods

Although these measures can reduce mild or occasional distension, ongoing or more uncomfortable symptoms deserve close attention. Speaking with a healthcare professional can be reassuring and ensures you get the care that’s right for you.

FAQ

Is abdominal distension the same as bloating?

No, they are not the same. Bloating is a feeling of fullness or tightness, while abdominal distension causes visible swelling of the abdomen. You can feel bloated without seeing swelling, but distension usually looks noticeable.

Can abdominal distension go away on its own?

Yes, mild abdominal distension caused by gas, constipation, or diet changes often improves on its own. Once digestion returns to normal, the swelling usually settles. 

When should I be concerned about abdominal distension?

You should pay closer attention if the swelling appears suddenly, becomes painful, or keeps getting worse. Symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or increasing abdominal pressure may point to more serious gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, or liver disease.

Can stress really cause abdominal distension?

Yes, stress can slow digestion and affect how the gut functions, especially in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders. This can lead to gas build-up, bloating and distension, and discomfort related to increased tension in the abdominal muscles and changes in gut movement.

Does abdominal distension always mean something serious?

Not always. Many cases are temporary and related to digestion, but ongoing or severe swelling should not be ignored.

Can abdominal distension affect my breathing?

In severe cases, a very swollen abdomen can press against the diaphragm. This may make breathing feel uncomfortable or more difficult.

How do doctors find the cause of abdominal distension?

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and examining your abdomen. If needed, they may order blood tests or imaging to better understand what is causing the swelling.

The information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.