Constipation: Accumulation of stool in the intestines can lead to abdominal distention.
Gas: Excessive gas production in the intestines, often due to dietary factors or swallowing air while eating or drinking, can cause abdominal bloating and distention.
Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can cause gas and bloating.
Gastrointestinal infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause abdominal distention along with other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Gastrointestinal obstruction: Partial or complete blockage of the intestines due to factors like hernias, intussusception, or foreign body ingestion can lead to abdominal distention, along with other symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain.
Malabsorption disorders: Conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or pancreatic insufficiency can lead to poor absorption of nutrients and subsequent abdominal distention.
Food allergies or intolerances: Allergic reactions or intolerances to certain foods can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and distention in susceptible children.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation and swelling of the intestines, leading to abdominal distention, pain, and other symptoms.
Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often due to liver disease, heart failure, or certain infections, can cause abdominal distention.
Hirschsprung's disease: A congenital condition characterized by the absence of nerve cells in parts of the colon, leading to bowel obstruction and abdominal distention, usually evident in infancy.
Organomegaly: Enlargement of abdominal organs such as the liver or spleen due to conditions like hepatitis, mononucleosis, or certain metabolic disorders can cause abdominal distention.
Tumors: Although less common in children, tumors in the abdomen, such as neuroblastoma or Wilms tumor, can cause abdominal distention.
Peritonitis: Inflammation of the abdominal lining can lead to distension.
Liver Disease: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen due to liver disease (ascites).
Organ Enlargement: Inflammation or growth of organs can contribute to distension.
Internal Bleeding: Intra-abdominal hemorrhage may cause swelling1.
Functional Causes:
Gas: Functional indigestion, food intolerances, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to gas accumulation.
Constipation: Fecal buildup and digestive content backup due to constipation.
Urinary Retention: Buildup of urine can cause distension12.
Other Factors: Overeating, high-fiber foods, swallowing air, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome can also contribute to abdominal bloating in children34.Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can cause gas and bloating.
Peritonitis: Inflammation of the abdominal lining can lead to distension.
Liver Disease: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen due to liver disease (ascites).
Organ Enlargement: Inflammation or growth of organs can contribute to distension.
Internal Bleeding: Intra-abdominal hemorrhage may cause swelling1.
Functional Causes:
Gas: Functional indigestion, food intolerances, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to gas accumulation.
Constipation: Fecal buildup and digestive content backup due to constipation.
Urinary Retention: Buildup of urine can cause distension12.
Other Factors: Overeating, high-fiber foods, swallowing air, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome can also contribute to abdominal bloating in children34.