Hello My Abdomen Has Been Distended For About Two Months

Posted on Sat, 15 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello
My abdomen has been distended for about two months now with no signs of getting better. Original diagnosis from Dr was no Ascites but not sure what other causes there could be. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (-28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Abdominal distension can occur due to increased fat, fluid accumulation or due to increased gas.
Was ultrasound scan done?
Any other medical issues you have?
Are you on any medications?
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)

I am not taking other medications now but previously was taking metformin for type 2 diabetes that seems to be under control. my last A1C was normal 5.4

waiting for ultrasound on February 25th.

I understand distension is either fluid, gas or fat build up. However, it is not fat build up as I am likely malnourished due to eating eating less than 800 calories a day for the last several months. Appetite is suppressed because of the distention. Also I am dehydrated.

what is likelihood its fluid build up vs gas build up?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
Only with a clinical examination or a scan we can tell for sure whether the distension is due to fluid collection or due to excessive intestinal gas.
Kindly get back to me with the ultrasound scan report which will be done on 25th.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj