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The first step in diagnosis is to determine the etiology of abdominal distension. After making a differential diagnosis of abdominal distension, it is important to take a careful medical history. [9] Here are the most common causes of abdominal distension classified as an underlying cause and as a secondary disease. As an underlying disease cause:
Ascites (/ ə ˈ s aɪ t i z /; [5] Greek: ἀσκός, romanized: askos, meaning "bag" or "sac" [6]) is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen. [1] Technically, it is more than 25 ml of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, although volumes greater than one liter may occur. [4]
Depending on the level of obstruction, bowel obstruction can present with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and constipation.Bowel obstruction may be complicated by dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities due to vomiting; respiratory compromise from pressure on the diaphragm by a distended abdomen, or aspiration of vomitus; bowel ischemia or perforation from prolonged distension or ...
Abdominal pain, also known as a stomach ache, is a symptom associated with both non-serious and serious medical issues. Since the abdomen contains most of the body's vital organs, it can be an indicator of a wide variety of diseases.
(A majority of people with irritable bowel syndrome report bloating as a symptom, and women are more likely to have these issues.) The phrase went viral on social media.
In later stages of constipation, the abdomen may become distended, hard and diffusely tender. Severe cases ("fecal impaction" or malignant constipation ) may exhibit symptoms of bowel obstruction (nausea, vomiting , tender abdomen) and encopresis , where soft stool from the small intestine bypasses the mass of impacted fecal matter in the colon .
The urinalysis is important for ruling out a urinary tract infection as the cause of abdominal pain. The presence of more than 20 WBC per high-power field in the urine is more suggestive of a urinary tract disorder. [48] If the patient is a female, a pregnancy test will be ordered. [36]
Caput medusae is the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which are seen radiating from the umbilicus across the abdomen. The name caput medusae ( Latin for "head of Medusa") originates from the apparent similarity to Medusa 's head, which had venomous snakes in place of hair.