Distended Abdomen

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL

A distended abdomen refers to a visible increase in the size of the abdomen, which can be caused by the accumulation of gas, fluid, or mass. This condition can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful.

Abdominal distension can be a symptom of various conditions ranging from benign issues to serious medical situations that require immediate attention. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for providing appropriate treatment and preventing complications.

Condition	Symptoms and Clinical Signs	Suspected Diagnosis	Confirmatory Diagnosis
Obesity	Generalised increase in body size, excessive abdominal fat, history of weight gain	Medical history, physical examination	Body mass index (BMI)
Ascites	Increased abdominal circumference, heaviness, dyspnoea, oedema, jaundice	Medical history, physical examination	Abdominal ultrasound, paracentesis
Gas	Intermittent abdominal distension, frequent belching, flatulence, cramping abdominal pain	Medical history, physical examination	Abdominal X-ray
Small bowel obstruction	Cramping abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, absence of bowel movements, altered bowel sounds	Medical history, physical examination	Abdominal X-ray, abdominal CT scan
Large bowel obstruction	Abdominal distension, abdominal pain, absence of bowel movements, faecal vomiting, decreased bowel sounds	Medical history, physical examination	Abdominal X-ray, abdominal CT scan
Splenic rupture	Left upper quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, signs of shock	History of trauma, physical examination	Abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT scan
Fecal impaction	Abdominal pain and distension, absence of bowel movements, unsuccessful straining, nausea, vomiting	Medical history, physical examination, rectal exam	Abdominal X-ray, ultrasound
Pregnancy	Progressive increase in abdominal size, amenorrhoea, morning sickness, fetal movements	Medical history, physical examination	Pregnancy test, obstetric ultrasound