What Causes Abdominal Fullness? 10 Possible Medical Reasons
Doctor, I feel like I’ve eaten too much, but I haven’t. My stomach feels so heavy. What might this be? Yes, that’s among the most frequent worries that patients bring to Sikund Diagnostic Centre. You know what? They have good reason to inquire.
Since bloating after a large meal is an example of a harmless abdominal fullness, there are other situations when it may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention. Well, let’s have an honest conversation about this. Well, let’s go over the common causes of abdominal fullness and when it’s not something to ignore.
Table of Content:
- Diarrhoea (indigestion).
- IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Discomfort in the abdomen.
- Gastric issues, including acidity.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
- Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver
- Pancreatic or Gallbladder Problems.
- The state of the ovaries in women.
- Ascites or fluid buildup in the abdomen.
- Pancreatic colon or stomach cancers.
- Why choose Sikund Diagnostic Centre?
Abdominal Fullness: What Is It? Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Uncomfortable pressure, weight or swelling in the abdomen is known as abdominal fullness. It’s what some patients say it is. I feel like there is a lot of air in my stomach, doctor… My stomach feels constricted even when I’m not eating… I feel uneasy and bloated…. Yes, although bloating and fullness frequently coexist, abdominal fullness is more about the ongoing feeling of being heavy inside the belly.
Ten medical explanations for abdominal fullness. The crucial part is about to begin. Let’s discuss the ten potential causes one by one.
1. Diarrhoea (indigestion).
The most straightforward and frequent reason, huh? You may feel satisfied after just a few bites if you have indigestion. Possible triggers:. Consuming food too rapidly. meals that are oily, spicy or fatty. excess alcohol or caffeine. Here are some possible symptoms. upper abdominal burning sensation. Gas or burping and moderate nausea.
2. IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.
In India, IBS is surprisingly prevalent, and many people are unaware that they have it. How does it make you feel full? Sensitivity in the intestines causes gas bloating and irregular bowel movements. Signs to notice:. alternating between diarrhoea and constipation. cramping in the abdomen. relief following a bowel movement.
3. Discomfort in the abdomen.
Yes, a simple case of constipation can make your stomach feel as though it is carrying a heavy object. Why it happens:. A diet low in fibre. Dehydration. sedentary way of living. Infrequent bowel movements cause the abdomen to feel bloated and enlarged.
4. Gastric issues, including acidity.
Doctor, it feels like a balloon has been inflated in my stomach. We have listened to this a lot of times. That must be gas. Visible bloating and discomfort can result from the stomach and intestines being stretched by acidity and trapped gases.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
At this point, stomach acid often returns to the food pipe. The main symptoms. feeling full after eating. Heartburn. Regurgitation (mouth sourness).
6. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver
At this point, having a full abdomen becomes a warning sign. The liver has a major impact on fluid balance and digestion. What takes place? Inflammation and weight gain are symptoms of fatty liver. Cirrhosis can cause ascites or fluid accumulation, which makes the abdomen appear swollen. Oh, I see some patients say, but Doctor, my belly is getting bigger without gaining weight. . .
7. Pancreatic or Gallbladder Problems.
Upper abdominal pressure and discomfort can also be caused by gallstones or pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Hints:. pain that travels to the shoulder or back, feeling full after eating fatty foods, vomiting or feeling queasy.
8. The state of the ovaries in women.
Sure precisely. Because of the following, women frequently experience lower abdominal fullness. cysts in the ovaries. Ovarian polycystic syndrome (PCOS). Ovarian tumours are uncommon. Associated signs:. Irregular times. Pelvic discomfort. sensation of being heavy.
9. Ascites or fluid buildup in the abdomen.
This one is serious. When fluid builds up inside the abdominal cavity, ascites develops. Some possible causes are as follows. liver illness. renal failure. heart failure. The cancer spread. The abdomen frequently appears round, swollen and tense.
10. Pancreatic colon or stomach cancers.
Though uncommon, it’s worth mentioning. Persistent abdominal fullness without an obvious cause may sometimes point to:. stomach cancer. colon cancer. pancreatic cancer.
Red flags:. weight loss that cannot be explained. There is blood in the stool. chronic vomiting or nausea. When Is the Right Time to See a Doctor? The big question that patients ask their doctor is when should I worry about my abdominal fullness?.
If you notice: get medical help. feeling full for longer than two to three weeks. Eating difficulties or premature satiety (feeling full too soon). weight loss that cannot be explained. prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting. visible abdominal oedema. discomfort that doesn’t go away. At Sikund Diagnostic Centre, the diagnosis.
Okay, so how do we identify the cause? Typically, we suggest:. blood examinations. LFT or liver function test. KFT or kidney function test. (CBC) Complete Blood Count. Picture. The first step in checking the liver, gallbladder, ovaries and kidneys is to perform an ultrasound of the abdomen. MRI or CT scan: For a more thorough assessment. Both colonoscopy and endoscopy. to rule out intestinal or stomach disorders. tests that are specific. examination of ascitic fluid. women’s hormone tests. The Cause Determines the Treatment. Changes in diet, drinking more water and improving one’s lifestyle can help with indigestion and constipation. IBS: Stress management, probiotics and medications. Liver disorders: medications, lifestyle modifications and routine checkups. Surgery may be necessary if gallstones are severe. Advanced therapies with specialised care are available for cancer or ascites. Abdominal fullness, emotional side. Yes, a lot of patients have anxiety. The fear is understandable, but the majority of cases are benign and treatable. Doctor, I feel heavy every day. Is it cancer?. However, only testing can shed light on this. Lifestyle Advice for Avoiding Fullness in the Abdomen. Avoid heavy meals and eat smaller, more frequent ones. Remain hydrated. Incorporate foods high in fibre (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. ). Walk or do yoga as regular forms of exercise. Limit processed foods, alcohol and too much sugar. Because the gut and brain are closely related, learn to manage stress.
Why choose Sikund Diagnostic Centre?
sophisticated imaging (MRI CT, ultrasound). precise laboratory testing for prompt diagnosis. knowledgeable physicians and radiologists. patient-friendly setting (we don’t use jargon and clearly explain reports). reporting quickly, within 24 to 48 hours. In conclusion. So what causes fullness in the abdomen? Well, as we’ve seen, it can be as simple as indigestion or as serious as cancer or liver disease. Yes exactly. For this reason, it is not a good idea to ignore persistent fullness. Don’t wait if your stomach has been causing you constant pain, swelling or heaviness. Visit the Sikund Diagnostic Centre. We will properly check, test and guide you. Keep in mind that the sooner the cause is found, the better the result will be. Your health is about living light free and comfortably, not just about existing.