A distended stomach, also referred to as a swollen abdomen, can be common in older adults. It has several possible causes, such as:

  • Diet: Abdominal swelling can often be caused by eating high fiber foods such as cruciferous vegetables and oats. In some people, this can lead to gas, which can cause bloating in the stomach.
  • Digestive issues: Experiencing digestive symptoms like constipation can also cause gas to build up in the stomach.
  • Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease, can cause abdominal symptoms, such as swelling.
  • Swallowing air: This can result from talking quickly, chewing gum, or smoking

Keep reading to learn how to prevent a distended stomach and when to see a doctor.

If you regularly experience a distended stomach, it can be helpful to begin by identifying the root cause. For example, if your symptoms are caused by swallowing air, you can try to avoid triggers such as chewing gum.

The following tips may also help prevent a distended stomach:

  • staying hydrated
  • chewing food with your mouth closed to reduce the chance of swallowing air
  • getting movement into your day to help with bloating
  • massaging your stomach to release any trapped gas and reduce bloating

What’s the difference between abdominal distension and bloating?

Abdominal bloating is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by trapped gas, stomach pressure, and the feeling of fullness. Abdominal distension is a measurable increase in the area between your hips and chest (abdominal girth).

These two conditions can occur together or separately. They can both cause pain and discomfort and affect the quality of your life. See a doctor if you have one or both of these conditions. They can diagnose the cause and develop a treatment plan to relieve symptoms.

In most cases, a distended abdomen is not a sign of anything serious. However, you should speak with a medical professional if you experience any of the following:

  • increased swelling or swelling that is not going away
  • a high fever
  • blood in your stools
  • being unable to eat or drink for more than 6 hours
  • your abdomen area is tender to the touch
  • unintentional weight loss

If you experience abdominal swelling frequently and it’s affecting your daily life, consider speaking with a medical professional. They can work with you to determine if there’s an underlying condition that’s causing the swelling and recommend treatment.