A swollen abdomen when grows outwards abnormally, this refers to as abdominal distention or a distended abdomen. This change may be seen, measured, and even felt. A distended belly can be caused by gas bloating or by an accumulation of fluid, tissue, or gastrointestinal contents. It can be either acute or chronic.
A bloated abdomen is noticeably larger than normal. It is frequently accompanied with a sensation of being bloated due to trapped gas or stomach secretions. Abdominal distension, on the other hand, is not usually caused by digestive processes. A distended abdomen is diagnosed due to few factors: flatus (gas), fetus’s (pregnancy), faeces or fat.
A distended abdomen may be painful or merely a sign which you and your medical provider notice visually. It might be acute — a rapid, uncommon event — or chronic — something which occurs and settles itself in a predictable manner on a regular basis. Chronic abdominal distension followed by an unpleasant bloated sensation is frequently associated with a digestive condition.
What are causes of abdominal distention in adults and what are its indication?
A swollen or a distended abdomen can be either biological or functional. An illness, for example, can be described by physical evidence. Functional issues are visible yet unexplained.
Digestion difficulties that cause gas and/or digestive contents to collect are common functional causes of a distended abdomen. Possible causes include:
If you consult a doctor for your distended abdomen, your doctor will investigate the reason. They will start by inquiring about your symptoms for distended abdomen and inspecting your abdomen to check where it is distended. The position of the outward curvature, whether uniform over your abdominal wall or more apparent in one area, assists them in determining which organs are damaged and narrowing the list of possible reasons. To assess the existence of fluids, gases, or solids, they could also feel the region using their hands or strike it and hear the sound it creates.
The abdominal internal organs are divided into two types: solid and hollow. These can swell and cause distended abdomen as a result of inflammation or overgrowth such as a tumor, abscess, or cyst. Your healthcare practitioner may be able to detect whether they are enlarged by feeling them, or they may need to see an imaging of the internal organs. A big growth may be felt through the skin. Your healthcare professional will use imaging tests to establish your problem, then follow up with multiple testing and treatment as needed.
Fluid buildup in the membrane of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum, is another reason of abdominal distension. These tissues could become inflamed due to infection, or they can fill with fluid due to a disease known as ascites. Ascites is a condition that arises when pressure on the blood arteries in the liver which is called as portal hypertension that pulls fluid into the abdominal cavity. A physical exam may typically reveal fluid in the peritoneum, but an ultrasound examination is more sensitive.
If the reason of your distended abdomen is organic, the therapy will be tailored to that cause. It might signify dealing with a sickness, infection, growth, impediment, or harm. When the underlying cause is addressed, an acute case will resolve. A chronic condition may benefit from the addition of diuretics (for fluid retention), laxatives (for constipation), or active carbon capsules (for gas).
If the source of your functional abdominal distension is unknown, managing it may need some trial and error. A hydrogen breath test may be recommended by your healthcare physician to assist diagnose the reason of excessive intestinal gas. They may also advise you to try dietary modifications, probiotics, or enzymes to help with digestion.
Knowing the reason makes prevention easier. If you detect stomach distension after eating, you could be able to adjust your food patterns to avoid it. As an example:
Seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms of abdominal distension:
See Also: Gastrointestinal and Stomach Issues After Covid-19: What to Know and Expect.
A distended abdomen is frequently a transitory digestive problem, although it can be painful and possibly suggest a dangerous illness. It is not necessary to suffer in quiet. If you are having a digestive issue, your doctor can help you figure out what’s causing it and how to treat it at home. If you have a serious ailment that’s not improving, you must seek medical attention. A symptom might be a gift in disguise, leading you to cure an unknown ailment or merely uncover a food intolerance.
The predominant documented symptoms of COVID-19 during much of the epidemic have become a chronic cough and fever. However, as caseloads have increased and new variations have evolved, new symptoms have emerged.
According to a September 2020 analysis, 53% of those hospitalized with COVID-19 had at least one gastrointestinal (GI) symptom throughout their illness. The pandemic’s influence resulted in stomach problems after covid-19 is becoming clearer as the epidemic develops and experts understand more about the disease. There is some indication that having COVID-19 GI symptoms — or getting the illness on top of an existing GI problem — may raise the likelihood of COVID-19 intensity and consequences. This special blog examines what experts know so far regarding the prevalence.
COVID-19 is characterized by respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. However, preliminary data from China showed that COVID-19 might potentially cause digestive issues, ultimately. The GI system responsible for adequate digestive system consists of the following components:
The first person in the United States with confirmed COVID-19 endured two days of nausea and vomiting before experiencing diarrhea. And, according to one of the early American studies, around 32% of individuals with the condition complained of digestive issues symptoms, most often diarrhea, nausea, or lack of appetite.
The research is always developing. The most prevalent GI symptoms of COVID-19, according to a February 2021 review that comprised 125 publications and a total of 25,252 participants, were:
A previous analysis, released in January 2021, discovered much higher rates of symptom occurrence, such as:
The condition may also harm gut tissues and impede intestinal motility. It shows that a large number of people with COVID-19 having stomach difficulties also have respiratory symptoms. However, according to an analysis published in late 2020, 16% of persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 only had GI symptoms. And, in some cases, these symptoms appeared before respiratory problems or fever.
Early research indicates that GI symptoms are more common in the early phases of an illness. Digestive issues related to covid-19 are prevalent, having up to one-third of COVID-19 patients presenting with GI symptoms first. Nausea and vomiting may occur in up to two-thirds of COVID-19 patients. Around 40% of COVID-19 patients may have appetite loss, and close to 50% may develop diarrhea. Abdominal pain is less common, affecting less than 10% of the population.
Researchers are still discovering how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects different sections of the body, especially stomach issues after covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to infect cells in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and also cells in other areas of the body.
According to research, SARS-CoV-2 penetrates intestinal and respiratory cells via the protein as a receptor. The ACE-2 receptor is found in cell membranes. It aids in the regulation of blood pressure by regulating the levels of the protein angiotensin, which causes blood vessels to constrict and elevate blood pressure.
After its distinctive spike proteins attach to ACE-2, the virus reaches intestinal cells. Once within the cell, the virus replicates viral proteins and RNA using the cell’s own machinery. SARS-CoV-2, like many viruses, contains its genetic material on a strand of RNA, similar to human DNA.
When SARS-CoV-2 particles exit an infected cell, they cause the production of cytokines, which are tiny proteins that aid in inflammation. This procedure may result in gastrointestinal discomfort. Meanwhile, nausea and diarrhea which are symptoms of a bloated stomach after covid-19 are frequent adverse effects of drugs used by healthcare experts to treat COVID-19, such as antivirals.
In fact, fecal samples from the very first person in the United States with confirmed COVID-19 contained SARS-CoV-2 particles. Furthermore, evidence indicates that people may shed viral particles in their feces after the virus has become undetected in the respiratory system, including the lungs, nose, and throat. This might alter our knowledge of how virus spreads for plenty of time.
People who have COVID-19 digestive issues symptoms may be more prone to develop problems or be more vulnerable to such issues. A research published in November 2020 discovered that experiencing GI or stomach issues symptoms was linked to an increased likelihood of getting acute respiratory distress, as have following investigations. The study also discovered that having GI symptoms increased the probability of requiring noninvasive mechanical breathing and tracheal intubation, both of which are risky procedures. In addition, according to a paper published in October 2020, adolescents with COVID-19 who have GI or stomach issues symptoms are more prone to acquire serious, critical infectious diseases and cardiac abnormalities.
Another study, from December 2020, indicated that the prevalence of digestive issues symptoms due to covid-19 in adults was connected with more severe disease and catastrophic results. A more recent review showed that persons with COVID-19 and digestive symptoms during hospitalization were more likely to suffer acute heart and renal damage or die from the condition.
According to research, those who have pre-existing GI issues are more likely to develop significant illness and bad effects. According to research, those with GI disorders such as Barrett’s esophagus may be at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19. Some researchers believe this link exists because GI illnesses involve the stomach lining getting replaced with cells that looked identical to intestinal lining cells.
See Also: What are Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Since it harms or impairs the intestinal or stomach lining, many stomach diseases by covid-19 may also make it easier to acquire GI infections including inflammatory bowel illness is one of these disorders.
Muscles that move or contract involuntarily and do not require cognitive control are called involuntary muscles. The majority of involuntary muscles are linked to the automatic activities of internal organs such as the digestive tract, the heart, and the lungs.
The lower esophageal sphincter`s principal function is to protect stomach acid and food from backing up into your mouth. Acid reflux is often caused by LES dysfunction, in which the esophagus is inflamed by acid reflux or bile. Because of the two structures it joins, the lower esophageal sphincter is also known as the gastroesophageal sphincter or gastroesophageal junction. Because of its closeness to the heart, it is also known as the cardiac sphincter.
These lower esophageal sphincters could be in nature of either anatomical or functional. Anatomical lower esophageal sphincters function by constricting a thicker muscular ring. This structure is evident regardless of the sphincter’s condition. It is detectable during an examination.
Functional lower esophageal sphincters, on the other hand, do not get the same thickening ring. They still retain a round muscle that constricts around or within them. However, because it is not thickened, the specialized structure cannot be identified visually as a sphincter unless it is constricted. When it is relaxed, it resembles the surrounding tissues.
Somatic nerves, which are part of the somatic nervous system, offer nerve supply to voluntary lower esophageal sphincters. Autonomic nerves, which are components of the autonomous nervous system, stimulate involuntary lower esophageal sphincters. It is concerned with automatic processes, such as the functioning of glands and major organs.
The esophagus, often known as the gullet, is a muscular tube that links your mouth and stomach. It measures between eight and ten inches in length and has a sphincter at either end—the upper and lower esophageal sphincters.
A sphincter is a muscular ring that protects or seals the closure of a tube. You have a number of them together in your digestive tract and elsewhere in your body. They regulate the liquid flow, solids, and gases. The lumen is the entrance of a sphincter. The muscle reduces and the lumen shuts when the sphincter contracts. The sphincter muscle lengthens and opens the lumen as it relaxes.
The esophagus begins at the base of the pharynx or throat. It then drops beneath the trachea or windpipe following the heart. It then goes through the diaphragm, a membrane located directly below the lungs.
The lower esophageal sphincters are located underneath the diaphragm, near the bottom of the esophagus, and on top of the stomach.
Except when you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter stays open. Then it opens to enable food to enter the stomach. When you swallow, various structures respond by blocking the airways, preventing food particles from entering your lungs. When food reaches the throat, both esophageal sphincters open. After your meal has passed past the upper esophageal sphincter, the esophageal muscles utilize a wavelike action (called a peristaltic wave) to force it downhill and through the lower esophageal sphincter to the stomach. After swallowing, the LES remains open for around five seconds. The valve then shuts, preventing meal and enzymes from flowing back into the esophagus.
The lower esophageal sphincter is involved in the following medical conditions:
Gastric acid and meal particles might eventually rise up into your esophagus if the lower esophageal sphincter does not shut securely enough. This is known as acid reflux.
If you experience regular heartburn, it is critical that you address it. The acid might harm your esophagus over time. GERD is an extreme condition of acid reflux that, if left untreated, can lead to significant problems.
GERD impacts people of various ages for a variety of causes, some of which are unknown. It is frequently caused by a lifestyle issue, although it can also be caused by reasons that can still be avoided.
A hernia is one unpreventable cause. A hole inside the diaphragm permits the upper portion of the abdomen to enter the chest cavity, causing GERD.
Other potential risk factors are easier to manage:
Diagnostic testing for issues with the lower esophageal sphincter includes:
See Also: What are Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
The lower esophageal sphincter is a circular muscle located at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. Its function is to prevent stomach contents from spilling into the esophagus and mouth. Whereas if the lower esophageal sphincter fails to function correctly, you might develop disorders such as GERD, wherein stomach acid rises and irritates the esophagus.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGDs) are digestive system abnormalities that lack detectable biomarkers hence symptoms cannot be attributed to the presence of physiological or anatomical abnormalities. This condition is marked by persistent or recurring stomach pain or distress accompanied by abnormal bowel movements. As a result, many conventional medical tests to be carried out to identify FGDs, including CT scans, x-rays several blood tests, and endoscopy, might produce normal or negative (non-disease) findings despite having symptoms.
A recent scientific report suggests that around 40% of adults have some type of FGDs worldwide, whereas this is more prevalent among women. FGDs can develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal system, including the esophageal, abdomen, and intestines. As per the medical sources, FGDs can be diagnosed as 33 adults` and 20 pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent and well-researched FGD, primarily marked by continuous stomach discomfort and changes in bowel movements, constipation, and is reported to impact one in every seven adults in the United States. Whereas other FGDs include Functional dyspepsia (upper gastrointestinal disorder, feelings of heaviness, bloating, or nausea), frequent vomiting, sharp abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder.
Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from functional gastrointestinal problems. The University of North Carolina School of Medicine reveals the fact that about 50 to 80 percent of people with characteristics of functional gastrointestinal disorders do not prefer to see the doctor, despite the fact that they may use over-the-counter drugs and have considerably higher rates of job absences and disabilities than those who do not possess these symptoms. IBS has been reported to be the second most significant cause of missing school and work; after the common cold.
Some FGDs are caused by environmental factors, such as stress and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) and can further be dramatically influenced by lifestyle factors and choices. There are also a number of factors over which you may have no influence, like:
Medical sources suggest that physical symptoms might vary based on your specific disorder, these include:
Also to note that there is a significant association between FGDs and mental health disorders. Anxiety, tension, and depression may all be compounded with other symptoms of FGDs, but they can surely aggravate the symptoms.
The symptoms mentioned above may occur in children as well. However, as per the American College of Gastroenterology, the most prevalent FGD symptom in children is functional abdominal pain. That is, the discomfort caused by an abnormal function of the GI system rather than a particular sickness. According to medical reports, many newborns may develop mixed FGDs in their first 6 months whereas 78 percent of infants up to 6-month-olds may develop some kind of FGDs. Some common signs include:
The study indicated that mixed FGDs might interfere in an infant’s ability towards weight gain and adequate breastfeeding.
Having a consultation with the doctor will assist you in identifying and sorting out your symptoms, reflecting on how they influence your lifestyle, and developing a tailored treatment plan for you. FGDs are more difficult to get diagnosed with, than other disorders. Even if you have relevant symptoms; getting medical tests done sadly may reveal nothing conclusive about your GI tract.
However, you do not need to worry, a meeting with your doctor to determine if you have FGD may take some time. Your doctor would like to:
In addition, your doctor may inquire about your way of life. This will cover your eating habits, exercise routine, and sleeping patterns. Consider maintaining a diary or log wherein you record your symptoms as well as other details about your illness, particularly your food intake. Bring the diary to your visit since this can give vital data for your diagnosis.
As per the recent medical research, practitioners do not have the particular insight of FGDs` requisite to treat them when actually, they can be managed all too well. The purpose of the treatment plan will be to lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Treatments differ from patient to patient. FGDs come in a variety of forms. You may react differently to therapies being offered to you than another individual as per your particular condition. Treatment methods include behavioral adjustments, mental health management, and pharmacological therapies.
You might tend to seek treatments from a group of specialists rather than a single doctor. Those who could be able to assist you in managing your disease include:
When treating functional gastrointestinal disorders, there are several components of your lifestyle to consider for adequate adjustments:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders are quite common and have an impact on your daily life. They affect a significant portion of society with widespread conditions from IBS and diarrhea to constipation and vomiting.
See Also: What Foods Should I Avoid If I Have A Latex Allergy?
Doctors at Family Medicine Austin can diagnose your FGD based on your symptoms and other circumstances providing a patient-centric solution involving lifestyle adjustments, mental health management, and pharmacological therapies.
Book your appointment now or call us to get further assistance.
It is not uncommon for people to experience a range of signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and suffer for years without a proper diagnosis. Gastrointestinal disorders affect the digestive tract starting from the mouth to the anus and can be mildly inconvenient, chronic, or even life-threatening.
Digestive diseases account for over 100 million ambulatory care visits annually in the U.S. Research shows that around 11% of the population suffers from a chronic digestive disease, and the prevalence rate is as high as 35% in adults aged 65 and above.
Despite the ubiquity, people hesitate to discuss the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders with their physicians and suffer quietly. Timely treatments and an open discussion make a significant difference in managing the symptoms and prevent the problem from exacerbating.
While some people know about common disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hemorrhoids, some rare gastrointestinal disorders are harder to diagnose.
The gastrointestinal tract is a series of organs that form a continuous passage from our mouth to the anus. These organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus. The gastrointestinal tract and other vital organs like the liver and pancreas make up our digestive system to help absorb nutrients and expel waste.
A variety of conditions can impact our gastrointestinal tract and, subsequently, digestion. Some of these conditions have similar symptoms, while others, like rare gastrointestinal disorders, may require a deeper investigation to reach a diagnosis.
Gastrointestinal disorders are classified into two categories: (1) organic and (2) functional. Organic conditions are caused due to structural abnormalities in the digestive system. In contrast, everything appears structurally normal in functional disorders, but the system still does not function properly.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten. Consuming gluten causes the immune system to attack the small intestine, damaging the villi.
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly between the small and large intestines. It is usually genetic, and factors such as diet and stress can aggravate the condition.
Difficulty or irregularity in passing stools is called constipation. People with constipation usually have small, dry, and hard stools that may be cumbersome to pass. Dehydration, lack of dietary fiber, pregnancy, and inactivity are some common causes of constipation.
GERD is also referred to as acid reflux or heartburn. It occurs when muscle fibers at the stomach’s entrance, called the lower esophageal sphincter, become weak. They cannot remain tightly closed; hence food and stomach acid flow back up the esophagus, causing irritation.
Hemorrhoids occur when the veins surrounding the anal opening swell up. They can be internal or external and may bleed during a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids can become red, swollen, and itchy when inflamed. In contrast, internal hemorrhoids are not visible but may prolapse after a bowel movement, causing extreme pain. Constipation or straining in the toilet is a common cause of hemorrhoids.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death among American men and women. It is common among adults aged between 45 and 75 years. The cancer grows slowly with minimum symptoms until it becomes sizeable.
Many people experience occasional digestive upsets, but how can we differentiate between a one-time off-stomach bug and a more complex digestive condition?
Let’s look at the most common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, which indicate a deeper problem.
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is an abnormal condition and needs to be checked by a physician immediately. It is one of the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as hemorrhoids, ulcers, or cancer. Procedures like endoscopy or colonoscopy help locate the source.
Iron deficiency in the blood is called anemia. An unbalanced diet is a common cause, but persistent deficiency can indicate an underlying problem such as bleeding. Anemia can make a person feel dizzy, tired, and short of breath. Ulcers and hemorrhoids in the gastrointestinal tract can cause significant bleeding, leading to anemia.
Trouble getting food down your throat, difficulty swallowing, or the feeling of food getting stuck in your chest may indicate inflammation or narrowing/blockage within the esophagus.
Many common and rare gastrointestinal disorders include abdominal pain. If you have been having persistent abdominal pain, it can be a sign of an ulcer or IBS.
Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days is considered chronic. It may be due to gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and lactose intolerance. If it starts or aggravates after consuming gluten, then it may also be due to celiac disease.
Rare gastrointestinal disorders are so called because they affect less than 200,000 people in the U.S. A few of these rare gastrointestinal disorders are:
Ménétrier disease is due to the overgrowth of the stomach’s mucus membrane, leading to large gastric folds. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
The exact cause is unknown, and some people do not develop any symptoms. The treatment may involve removal of some parts of the stomach.
Achalasia is another rare gastrointestinal disorder affecting adults between the ages of 25 and 60 years. The esophagus fails to push food down to the stomach, and the valve fails to open.
Symptoms include heartburn, coughing or choking, and regurgitating food. Medication or surgery may help treat achalasia.
People suffering from hirschsprung’s disease are born with it. The body is unable to open the internal anal sphincter muscle reflexively.
Newborns suffering from this rare gastrointestinal disorder experience a swollen stomach, constipation, vomiting, and an inability to have a bowel movement within the first two days of birth. Later in life, symptoms progress to a lack of appetite, watery stools, and diarrhea.
To diagnose common and rare gastrointestinal disorders, doctors perform a physical examination and take the patient’s medical history. They may ask questions on their diet, lifestyle, medications, and family history.
They may prescribe tests such as blood tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and stool tests to determine the cause of your symptoms definitively.
Both common and rare gastrointestinal disorders present a variety of symptoms that may be difficult to diagnose. Understanding when the symptoms are indicative of a deeper problem can help manage your condition better.
Weight loss, abdominal discomfort, change in bowel habits, and blood on the toilet paper or in the stool comprise symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, which you should address immediately. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, get in touch with our health professionals at Family Medicine Austin to get a proper diagnosis and start your treatment right away.
