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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child. Distended Belly. History Of Flu And Vomitting. Serious?

HI - my 2.5 year old son had the flu about a week ago. The vomiting only lasted 5 hours. no fever. He has always had a big belly but is definitely looking a lot more distended. he is pooping (although not as regularly because although potty trained, he is refuses to poop on the potty and will only poop when he has a pullup). I am worried that it is something serious like a tumour. Are there other signs of this? Many thanks.
Mon, 22 Apr 2013
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

Toddlers usually have a big belly in comparison to their body because :

1. The size of intestine is more than their abdomen

2. They have exaggerated lumbar lordosis while walking so the tummy looks protruded

As the age grows the space of abdomen will increase and it accommodates the intestines completely so the size of belly decreases with the age.

And constipation also lead to increased belly because of retention of stool and with associated gas formation.

If the constipation is treated with dietary fiber rich food, plenty of water, and laxatives the problems will be solved.

The chances of having a tumor is rare and it can be ruled out by doing an ultrasound abdomen and pelvis.

Hypothyroidism also causes a large belly, so it has to be ruled out by doing blood investigation with thyroid function test.

I advise you to consult your pediatrician for physical examination and for investigations if required depending on his examination.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards.
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Child. Distended Belly. History Of Flu And Vomitting. Serious?

Hi, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic. Toddlers usually have a big belly in comparison to their body because : 1. The size of intestine is more than their abdomen 2. They have exaggerated lumbar lordosis while walking so the tummy looks protruded As the age grows the space of abdomen will increase and it accommodates the intestines completely so the size of belly decreases with the age. And constipation also lead to increased belly because of retention of stool and with associated gas formation. If the constipation is treated with dietary fiber rich food, plenty of water, and laxatives the problems will be solved. The chances of having a tumor is rare and it can be ruled out by doing an ultrasound abdomen and pelvis. Hypothyroidism also causes a large belly, so it has to be ruled out by doing blood investigation with thyroid function test. I advise you to consult your pediatrician for physical examination and for investigations if required depending on his examination. Hope I have answered your query. Regards.