Conditions that cause Abdominal distension
- Constipation: When stool accumulates in the colon, it can cause the abdomen to become distended and bloated.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and distension.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain and distension.
- Ascites: This is the buildup of fluid in the abdomen, often due to liver disease or cancer.
- Intestinal parasite infection (coccidiosis, fasciolosis, giardiasis, hookworm: ancylostomiasis and necatoriasis, Strongyloidiasis)
- Gastroparesis: This is a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to bloating and distension.
- Bowel obstruction (volvulus)
- Ileus
- Toxic megacolon
- Abdominal or Pelvic mass
- Organomegaly
- Whipple’s disease (Whipples disease)
- Coeliac disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diverticulitis
- Kwashiorkor
- Pregnancy: As the fetus grows, it can cause the abdomen to become distended.
