US Medical Term · symptoms
Abdominal Distension
Distensión abdominal
Also: Vientre hinchado (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Abdominal Distension |
| Spanish (Español) | Distensión abdominal |
| Chinese (中文) | 腹部膨脹 |
| Korean (한국어) | 복부 팽창 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bụng phình to |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pamamaga ng tiyan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Distensão abdominal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ท้องโป่งพอง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 腹部膨満 |
What it means
Abdominal distension means the belly is visibly swollen, enlarged, or puffed out beyond its normal size. It may feel tight, uncomfortable, or painful. Causes range from harmless excess gas or constipation to more serious conditions such as ascites (fluid in the abdomen), bowel obstruction, ovarian cysts, enlarged liver or spleen, or abdominal tumors. Distension that comes on suddenly and is severe, is associated with inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, is accompanied by fever and severe pain, or develops in someone with a history of liver disease or cancer should be evaluated urgently.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My belly is so swollen it looks like I'm six months pregnant.
El vientre se me ha hinchado tanto que parezco estar de seis meses.
My abdomen has been getting larger over the past few weeks and it doesn't go down.
El abdomen me ha ido creciendo durante las últimas semanas y no baja.
I have a firm, distended belly and I can't pass gas or have a bowel movement.
Tengo el vientre firme y distendido y no puedo expulsar gases ni evacuar.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R14 Flatulence and related conditionsRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026