Abdominal distension is a noticeable swelling of your belly. Your abdomen (the area between your hips and chest) can grow larger than normal for many reasons, such as food intolerance, digestive disorders, and gut bacteria overgrowth. Ascites, or fluid build-up caused by liver problems, can also cause abdominal distension.

You can sometimes relieve abdominal distension with lifestyle and dietary tweaks. This symptom can also be the result of an underlying condition that requires medical treatment.

What Causes Abdominal Distension?

Your abdomen can get swollen if you have gas build-up in your intestines. Common causes include:

  • Chewing gum

  • Drinking carbonated beverages

  • Eating high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables

  • Overeating

  • Swallowing too much air while eating

Most cases of chronic (long-term) abdominal distension are actually not related to gas. Several underlying conditions may cause abdominal distension.

Digestive Disorders

Abdominal distension is a common symptom in digestive disorders like:

  • Celiac disease, which causes an immune response to gluten (a protein found in barley, rye, and wheat) that damages the small intestine

  • Constipation

  • Crohn's disease, or inflammation of the digestive tract

  • Functional dyspepsia (indigestion)

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea

You will likely find that your stomach swelling is chronic or flares up frequently. You may also notice that bloating happens alongside abdominal distension. Other symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and nausea can also occur.

Fluid Build-Up

Ascites is a condition that causes a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, which leads to a swollen stomach. An issue with the liver—like cirrhosis, in which the organ becomes scarred—usually causes ascites.

You may not notice any clear symptoms at first. Your stomach will start to appear more swollen once the fluid starts to accumulate. Some people also develop pain and shortness of breath.

Lactose Intolerance

An intolerance to lactose means your body is not able to digest or break down lactose. This sugar is naturally found in milk and milk products. You can develop uncomfortable symptoms after eating or drinking items like milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Abdominal distension is a common symptom of lactose intolerance. You may experience swelling shortly after consuming lactose. It may come with other symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Bacterial Overgrowth

Your abdomen can swell if there's an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. This condition is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Too much gut bacteria can increase gas production, which makes your abdomen feel and appear swollen.

People who have had abdominal surgery or have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus might be more likely to develop SIBO. Symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and gas may also occur.

Cyst or Tumor

A tumor or cyst can develop when abnormal tissue grows on an internal organ. A tumor may or may not be cancerous. A cyst is a pocket of tissue that can contain fluid. Either growth can lead to visible swelling in the stomach area.

  • An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled growth that sits on the ovary. It often does not cause symptoms. Some people may have abdominal swelling on the side of the affected ovary.

  • Uterine fibroids are usually non-cancerous tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Your lower abdomen can grow if a fibroid grows too big.

  • Ovarian cancer, which affects the tissue of the ovaries, less commonly causes abdominal distension. You may also have pain and pressure in the affected area.

Weak Abdominal Muscles

Weak abdominal muscles may be the cause if swelling is apparent when you stand up but goes away when you lay down. It's more likely in people who have been pregnant. The abdominal muscles stretch and lose tone during pregnancy.

Treatments

Treatment for abdominal distension depends on the underlying cause. Swelling typically goes away on its own if you eat too much. Conditions like digestive disorders and SIBO can require medications, therapies, or, in severe cases, surgery.

Home Remedies

You can try the following home remedies to reduce gas and abdominal distension:

  • Avoid or limit dairy products if lactose intolerance is the cause of swelling

  • Do not chew gum or suck on candies

  • Drink through a straw or sip hot beverages slowly

  • Get plenty of fiber in your diet

  • Reduce emotional stress

Medical Treatment

A healthcare provider may recommend various treatments for digestive disorders, such as:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or a form of therapy that focuses on shifting unhelpful thinking patterns

  • Diaphragmatic breathing techniques

  • Exercise, hydration, or dietary changes

  • Prescription medications

  • Probiotics

If ascites is the cause, you may take diuretics to eliminate extra fluid. Antibiotics, on the other hand, treat SIBO. Abnormal growths that cause symptoms or are cancerous can require treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy.

When To Seek Care

An occasional case of abdominal distension—like after eating a big meal—is usually not a cause for concern. It may be a good idea to check with a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • An inability to eat or drink normally

  • Blood in your stool

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Stomach swelling gets worse or does not go away

  • Your stomach area is sensitive to touch

Women aged 55 years or older who have abdominal distension, difficulty eating, and abdominal, pelvic, or back pain may especially consider evaluation to rule out ovarian cancer. A healthcare provider will likely ask questions about your health history and do a physical exam. They can also order tests to confirm a diagnosis.

A Quick Review

Abdominal distension is a noticeable swelling of your belly. It's most likely due to overeating or gas if abdominal distension only happens from time to time. Conditions like digestive disorders, SIBO, food intolerances, and ascites can cause long-term swelling.

There is no specific treatment for abdominal distension. However, you can manage the symptoms based on the underlying cause. A treatment plan may include dietary and lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and therapies.