The expansion of the abdominal region, which can occur for various reasons, manifests as an enlargement of the abdomen. Abdominal distension is a common consequence of obesity and the growth of the uterus during pregnancy.
Abdominal swelling can arise from a variety of sources, and while some are benign, others warrant greater concern. For instance, discomfort and bloating due to intestinal or stomach gas can lead to temporary distension. Women may also experience distension caused by transient water retention just before their menstrual cycle. However, more serious causes include ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often indicating underlying conditions such as cancer, heart, kidney, or liver diseases. Additionally, swelling can result from intestinal blockage or the presence of an ovarian cyst.
Determining the root cause often requires diagnostic procedures such as abdominal X-rays, ultrasound scanning, laparotomy (surgical exploration of the abdomen), or laparoscopy (a procedure involving the examination of the abdominal cavity using a rigid or flexible viewing tube). In cases of ascites, a portion of the abdominal fluid may be drained to facilitate a thorough examination.