Anybody know what causes a distended abdomen?

Question

I have had one for several weeks. I have had a total hystorectomy. so not pregnant. It seems to be more so on the left side. Had a xray and it didn't show anything. So they want to do a cat scan. Any ideas!

Answer 1

Abdominal distention is a common condition, which usually results from over-eating, rather than from a serious illness. Simple weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can also cause distention.

Abdominal distention is often caused by intestinal gas. This may result from eating fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables. Legumes such as beans are common sources of intestinal gas. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest dairy foods, and eating such foods may cause distention.

Abdominal distention may also occasionally result from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can be a sign of serious medical problems. There are usually other symptoms in this case.

Common Causes:

overeating
lactose intolerance
air swallowing (a nervous habit)
irritable bowel syndrome
partial bowel obstruction
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Distention resulting from a heavy meal will go away when the food is digested. Eating in moderation will help prevent swelling.

For distention caused by swallowing air, awareness often leads to self-control. Eat slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, avoid chewing gum or sucking on candies, avoid drinking through a straw, or sipping the surface of a hot beverage.

For distention caused by malabsorption, try changing diets and reducing milk consumption. Consult your doctor.

For irritable bowel syndrome, increase dietary fiber, decrease emotional stress, and consult your doctor.

For distention resulting from other causes, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

An abdominal CT scan involves X-ray images of the abdomen from many angles. The X-ray beams are detected by the scanner and analyzed by a computer. The computer reconstructs the data into a picture of the body area being scanned. These images can be viewed on a monitor or reproduced as photographs.

How the test is performed:
The CT scanner is a free-standing machine with a large hole in the center. The patient lies on a narrow table that slides into the hole. In most cases the patient will be on his or her back with arms raised above his head. Patients who have difficulty with enclosed spaces such as those found with some MRI scanners do not usually have a problem with this type of test.

A dye may be injected into a peripheral vein to better evaluate certain diseases and organs. The radiologist will decide if this is necessary. Tell the technician or radiologist if you have any allergies or have had difficulty with prior CT scans.

It is very important that the patient remains still throughout the exam and holds his or her breath when asked. This will allow for better images.

The actual scan time is usually about two minutes, although the entire procedure usually takes much longer.

The X-rays are painless. The primary discomfort may be from the need to lie still on the table.

If a dye is needed to increase the contrast between different tissues or organs, it is administered by injection into a vein. The injection may sting and the site may be tender to the touch for several minutes. Dye injections may cause a warm sensation, a metallic taste and, in a few cases, hives. Very rarely more severe contrast reactions can occur.

Answer 2

Abdominal distention is a common condition, which usually results from over-eating, rather than from a serious illness. Simple weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can also cause distention.

Abdominal distention is often caused by intestinal gas. This may result from eating fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables. Legumes such as beans are common sources of intestinal gas. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest dairy foods, and eating such foods may cause distention.

Abdominal distention may also occasionally result from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can be a sign of serious medical problems. There are usually other symptoms in this case.

Common Causes:


overeating
lactose intolerance
air swallowing (a nervous habit)
irritable bowel syndrome
partial bowel obstruction