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What Causes Stomach Distension?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Question: Hello for a few years now i have been struggling with being overweight.. though my main concern is my stomach. It is swollen like i am pregnant, which i am definatley not. that i am sure. it often hurts to bend and a few times after eating if ive had to bend i have vomited in my mouth. My stomach always seems to feel cold too. A few years back i had a mud mask treatment done over my stomach when they took the mud off it was like in the shape of a helmet. Recently i have been experiencing alot of gas and i have feelings of constipation and ongoing diarrhea.. please help what could this be.. i would like to know youir opinion. I am currently taking abilify 30 mgs of apriprazole for skitzoaffective disorder. Thank you. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (23 hours later)

Brief Answer: Needs to be thoroughly investigated Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us, From your medical history it seems that you have spent quite sometime bedridden and also on a lot of medications. Immobility is an important risk factor for weight gain and also certain medications. The medication you are on, Aripiprazole, in my opinion, is a good medication choice considering your medical history. It is a weight friendly drug as well. Are you on any other medication? Have you tried any measures of weight reduction so far? Your current concerns are abdominal bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Could you describe it in more detail? What is the duration of symptoms? What is the frequency of diarrhea? Is there any specific pattern? Is there any relation with food intake? Do you experience any nausea, abdominal pain or burning sensation in your stomach or chest? Waiting for your response. Dr A Rao Kavoor

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (1 hour later)

thank you for your response to my question though I would really appreciate it if a gastrologist assist me with this answer..I did ask for a specialist in that area..and I don't think it quite relates to my mental state..which is fine.thank you for your opinions though duely noted.

Answered by Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (34 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possible GERD or hiatus hernia Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in with an update. I did discuss your condition with an associate gastroenterologist colleague and we find that you might be having gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD and or a hiatus hernia. These conditions are frequently seen with complaints of stomach contents coming up through the esophagus and in to the mouth after bending. The conditions mentioned require complete clinical examination and also investigations like endoscopy and imaging studies to confirm them. Coming to on going constipation and diarrhea, these can be due to stress or as a result of irritable bowel syndrome. You may change your frequency of taking meals and eating small portions at regular intervals is better for you. Please try not to indulge in large meals. The spice content in your meals may be kept low. As told earlier please continue with your medication apriprazole. Hope this helps. Dr A Rao Kavoor

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar