Upper Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Upper Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns

Hello： The upper left abdomen contains the stomach, while the upper right abdomen contains the liver. <br>The organs on the left and right sides are different and will naturally not be at the same height. <br>As for the upper abdomen being more protruded, it can be influenced by

Upper abdominal protrusion?

For about a year to a year and a half, my upper abdomen has been protruding, specifically between my navel and ribcage, while the area below the navel remains flat.
During this period, I gained approximately 4 kilograms over the course of a year (my weight had previously been stable).
Currently, when viewed from the side, the area above my navel appears noticeably more prominent, and the upper right abdomen is slightly more protruded than the left.
When relaxed, the upper abdomen feels relatively soft and can be pinched and slightly stretched to the sides.
When lying flat without exertion, my entire abdomen returns to a flat state, and even after a long time post-meal, it does not seem to decrease in size.
I don't believe I have any significant anterior or posterior pelvic tilt issues.
I would like to know why only my upper abdomen is protruding; typically, weight gain should cause the entire abdomen to bulge.
What could be the issue? I have read online that eating too quickly could be a cause, but I eat quite slowly and do not overeat.
Could this simply be excess fat?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/22

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The upper left abdomen contains the stomach, while the upper right abdomen contains the liver.
The organs on the left and right sides are different and will naturally not be at the same height.
As for the upper abdomen being more protruded, it can be influenced by various factors such as the layer of fat, muscle development, gastric distension, intestinal distension, spasms of the gastric smooth muscle, and slow digestion after meals.
Therefore, you can observe it yourself.
However, if you experience accompanying pain or if the protrusion becomes more pronounced, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation of the issue.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2021/07/22

More Info

Understanding upper abdominal distension can be a complex issue, as it may arise from various physiological and pathological factors. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced persistent distension in the upper abdominal area for about a year to a year and a half, with a noticeable increase in weight. The fact that your abdomen appears more prominent above the navel while remaining flat below it is particularly interesting and warrants further exploration.

One potential cause of upper abdominal distension is the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, which can lead to a condition known as central obesity. This type of fat distribution is often associated with metabolic syndrome and can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other health issues. However, the localized nature of your distension—where the upper abdomen is more pronounced than the lower—suggests that other factors may also be at play.

Gastrointestinal issues could also contribute to your symptoms. Conditions such as bloating, gas retention, or even functional gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to a feeling of fullness or distension in the upper abdomen. Eating habits, such as eating too quickly or consuming gas-producing foods, can exacerbate these symptoms, but you mentioned that you eat slowly and do not overeat. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to consider other dietary factors, such as lactose intolerance or sensitivity to certain carbohydrates, which can lead to bloating and discomfort.

Another possibility is the presence of an underlying medical condition. For instance, conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even gallbladder disease can cause localized pain and distension in the upper abdomen. Additionally, issues related to the liver, such as fatty liver disease, could also manifest as upper abdominal distension. Given that you have noted a change in your body composition and abdominal shape, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

In terms of your abdominal examination, the fact that your abdomen feels soft when relaxed and returns to a flatter state when lying down may indicate that the distension is not due to a solid mass or significant fluid accumulation. However, it is essential to rule out any serious conditions through appropriate diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests.

Lastly, psychological factors, including stress and anxiety, can also contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to sensations of fullness or discomfort. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, it may be beneficial to explore relaxation techniques or speak with a mental health professional.

In conclusion, while your upper abdominal distension could be attributed to factors such as weight gain, dietary habits, or even psychological stress, it is essential to consider a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying conditions and provide tailored recommendations to address your concerns. Keeping a food diary, noting any associated symptoms, and discussing these with your doctor can also aid in pinpointing the cause of your abdominal distension.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions

The abdomen is gradually becoming distended, and after eating a small amount of food, there is a feeling of fullness and difficulty in eating. Breathing is not smooth, requiring effort to take breaths.

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Wishing you a safe and healthy medical examination.

Understanding Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Upper Abdominal Distension

I feel that my upper abdomen is quite distended, and I'm wondering if it could be due to bloating. I had a health checkup before, and they mentioned that I have bloating, so I’m wondering if this could be the cause.

Dr. Xu Ruihong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is not possible to make a diagnosis based solely on your simple statement. If there are no issues with being overweight, then the possibility of bloating should certainly be considered.

Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns

Hello, doctor: I often experience abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Yesterday, I felt a slight discomfort in my abdomen and had a bit of an urge to defecate, but after using the restroom, I was unable to have a bowel movement. Later, before going to bed, I felt some discomfort i...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. N: 1. Clinically, common diagnoses for right upper quadrant pain or discomfort include gastric ulcers or inflammation, duodenal ulcers or inflammation, gallbladder or biliary stones, gallbladder or biliary inflammation, liver abscesses or tumors, right lower lobe pneumo...

Post-Surgery Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns After Hysterectomy

Hello Doctor: I underwent a hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids in mid-November, but I have been experiencing the following issues since then: Before the surgery, my abdomen was flat (I am naturally slim with no belly), but since the operation, my abdomen has become enlarged, re...

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
There are two possible conditions: 1. A hematoma in the abdominal wall, which is commonly caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the muscle layer, leading to the formation of a hematoma between the fascia and the muscle. Since it is isolated from the external environment, it u...