Etiology

Abdominal swelling (distension) can result from numerous causes across different organ systems. :

Gastrointestinal Causes

Gas and bloating - from dietary factors, swallowed air, or bacterial fermentation
Constipation - fecal impaction causing mechanical distension
Bowel obstruction - mechanical (adhesions, hernias, tumors) or functional (ileus)
Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Irritable bowel syndrome - functional bloating without structural abnormality

Fluid Accumulation (Ascites)

Liver disease - cirrhosis is the most common cause of ascites
Heart failure - right-sided or congestive heart failure
Kidney disease - nephrotic syndrome causing hypoalbuminemia
Malignancy - peritoneal carcinomatosis, ovarian cancer
Infection - spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, tuberculosis
Pancreatitis - pancreatic ascites

Organ Enlargement

Hepatomegaly - enlarged liver from various causes
Splenomegaly - enlarged spleen
Masses - tumors, cysts (ovarian, pancreatic, renal)
Pregnancy - uterine enlargement
Bladder distension - urinary retention

Obesity

Simple accumulation of intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat

Other Causes

Celiac disease - malabsorption causing bloating
Lactose intolerance or other food intolerances
Abdominal wall hernias
Gynecological conditions - fibroids, ovarian masses

The clinical approach involves history (onset, associated symptoms), physical examination (percussion, palpation), and investigations (imaging, lab work) to distinguish between these causes.

Etiology

Gastrointestinal Causes

Fluid Accumulation (Ascites)

Organ Enlargement

Obesity

Other Causes

Abdominal Swelling