Abdominal distention is called the increase in volume of the abdomen that is due to various factors, both medical and surgical. The wall of the abdomen is made up of a series of muscles that are responsible for protecting and covering the abdominal cavity where the viscera and organs of the digestive system are located. Said wall is a structure with a soft consistency, which has the ability to move outwards, in the face of increases in the volume of the abdominal content caused by distension. ,
The distention of the abdomen can be caused by the result of an accumulation of gas in the intestines or of water in the area of the peritoneum, it can also be caused by a tumor, an occlusion in the intestine or a pregnancy.
The moment the abdomen is distended, its diameter increases and becomes tympanic when percussive, generating a sound similar to that made by a drum. In general, this process is accompanied by discomfort, such as predominantly colicky pain and changes at the time of defecation that can be diarrhea, or failing that, scarce as occurs with constipation.
Among the main causes that cause abdominal distention, we can mention colon inflammations, caused by irritable bowel syndrome or by the consumption of foods that produce gases, such as grains, in the same way it occurs with consumption of dairy in people who are lactose intolerant, or gluten in celiacs. In the aforementioned cases, the distension will be accompanied by colic and soft stools, or, failing that, liquid and abundant accompanied by gases. In these cases the symptoms tend to dissipate if the affected person adopts a free diet of the products to which they are intolerant.
Another quite common cause is the distention that is produced by the storage of fecal matter in people who suffer from constipation, especially when it lasts for several days. These individuals often have abdominal pain, malaise, and small ball-shaped stools; This may be related to a diet low in fiber and water; With regard to treatment, this is based on improving diet where more servings of fruits and vegetables can be included, as well as drinking more water, which can be a solution to this problem.
