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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Abdominal Distention Indicate?

I recently had a heart attack on July 3rd, I had surgery and had two stents put in. I am having abnormal upper abdominal distension and also have been short of breath lately. I am not on any blood pressure medications anymore. I do take Brilinta twice daily and also a chelostrol medicine. Just wondering if this is common after a hear attack or not.
posted on Fri, 3 Nov 2017
Twitter Tue, 28 Nov 2017 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 30 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Abdominal distention can be due to many a factors as follows:
Intestinal flora disturbance due to antibiotics or some medications that you have not mentioned.
Brilinta and Cholesterol medication such as any Statins can also cause gaseous distension.
Intestinal obstruction.
Increased gas producing bacteria.
Stress and anxiety can cause aerophagia and thus gas bloating. This is common after major procedures like heart surgery, stent putting in and so on.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
X-ray of abdomen in standing position.
Ultrasonography of abdomen.
Tests of blood and stool.
Clinical evaluation by your Doctor and referral for a Specialist if required along with correlation with the reports can help you get a proper diagnosis and thus appropriate management.
Till then take Activated charcoal, reduce stress and anxiety, avoid foods and beverages that cause gases and bloating.
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What Does Abdominal Distention Indicate?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood your concerns. Abdominal distention can be due to many a factors as follows: Intestinal flora disturbance due to antibiotics or some medications that you have not mentioned. Brilinta and Cholesterol medication such as any Statins can also cause gaseous distension. Intestinal obstruction. Increased gas producing bacteria. Stress and anxiety can cause aerophagia and thus gas bloating. This is common after major procedures like heart surgery, stent putting in and so on. I would advise you the following in such a situation: X-ray of abdomen in standing position. Ultrasonography of abdomen. Tests of blood and stool. Clinical evaluation by your Doctor and referral for a Specialist if required along with correlation with the reports can help you get a proper diagnosis and thus appropriate management. Till then take Activated charcoal, reduce stress and anxiety, avoid foods and beverages that cause gases and bloating.