What is it?

Abdominal distention is a swollen abdomen, accompanied by sensations such as bloatedness and discomfort. It could either present suddenly or become a chronic problem. Chronic abdominal distention is usually the cause of a digestive problem. Other causes for abdominal distention may include pregnancy, menstruation that causes water retention, recent weight gain, bowel obstruction, partial gastroparesis, digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, inflammation of the abdominal lining, build-up of fluid (ascites), and liver or spleen enlargement due to certain conditions. Other causes may include gas, constipation, urinary retention, pseudo-obstruction caused by a disorder in muscle contraction, and abdominal muscle weakness.