Abdominal Distention and Cramps
Distention happens when the abdomen becomes larger than its actual size and expands outward. As a result, it appears to be stretched, enlarged, and swollen, making the person feel uncomfortable and bloated. This is caused by internal pressures from blocked air, harmful substances, allergic reactions from medications, food, and fluids, or another internal organ that is infected and damaged. Common reasons for abdominal distention are overeating, pregnancy, constipation, and blocked intestines. At the same time, chronic and more serious medical conditions include cirrhosis, pancreatitis, tumor, ovarian cyst, gallbladder and liver problems, gallstones, cancer, kidney failure, and others.
The bowel is composed of the intestines (small and large), the rectum, and the anus. When there is a blockage in the lower area of the digestive tract, the stomach would likely swell up since the substance (liquid or solid) is pushed back and cannot be excreted towards the anus. The stomach then would feel cramps (sharp, sudden, and recurring pain) in the blocked area, making the person find difficulty in breathing, moving, and standing erect. When determining the cause of the swollen abdomen, doctors usually touch the enlarged area and distinguish whether the cause is functional (digestive problem) or organic (physical evidence.)
