Gut Health Focus
Learn about the types of abdominal distension and what they may mean.
Bruna Barbosa
November 2, 2025
5 min read
34 views
See also: #guthealth, #weightloss-and-satiety, #detox-and-reeducation, #functional-nutrition
Learn about the Types of Abdominal Distension and What They Can Mean
Abdominal distension is a...
Types of Abdominal Distension and What They May Mean
Abdominal distension is a problem that affects many people and can have different causes and locations. This discomfort can range from simple temporary bloating to being a sign of more serious problems in the digestive system. Knowing the types of distension is essential to understanding what may be happening in your body and how to seek appropriate guidance for treatment. The causes can vary according to the location and symptoms presented, so it is important to have a deeper understanding of each type.
1️⃣ Upper Abdominal Distension 🤕
Upper distension occurs in the area above the navel and may be related to problems such as:
Indigestion: Occurs when the stomach cannot process food properly, generating discomfort and a feeling of heaviness. This may be associated with an inadequate diet, with excessive intake of fatty or spicy foods.
Delayed gastric emptying: This condition occurs when food remains in the stomach longer than normal, leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort. It can be caused by factors such as stress, excessive fiber consumption, or even conditions like gastroparesis.
Insufficient gastric acid production: Gastric acid is essential for food digestion, and its insufficiency can hinder digestion, resulting in distension. Some people with this condition may experience frequent belching and a feeling of early satiety.
Difficulty in regional muscle movement: The abdominal muscles play an important role in digestion, and any difficulty or dysfunction can contribute to gas accumulation and bloating. Physical activity can help strengthen these muscles.
Presence of H. pylori: This bacterium can cause stomach infection, resulting in symptoms such as pain, burning, and a feeling of fullness. H. pylori infection is one of the most common causes of gastritis and gastric ulcers.
Functional dyspepsia: Characterized by a feeling of discomfort or pain in the stomach without an apparent cause. People with functional dyspepsia may experience nausea, a feeling of fullness, and even pain in the upper abdominal region.
2️⃣ Lower Abdominal Distension 🤕
Lower distension is located below the navel and may indicate conditions such as:
Large intestinal bacterial overgrowth (LIBO): The excessive proliferation of bacteria in the large intestine can cause gas, discomfort, and even changes in bowel habits. This condition may be associated with problems in intestinal motility and the overuse of antibiotics.
Irritable bowel syndrome: A disorder that causes pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel rhythm, such as episodes of diarrhea or constipation. It is a chronic condition and often associated with stress and diet.
Chronic constipation: Difficulty in defecating can cause an accumulation of feces and gas in the intestine, resulting in bloating and distension. Constipation can be aggravated by a diet low in fiber, low water intake, and a sedentary lifestyle.
3️⃣ Moderate Abdominal Distension 🤕
Moderate abdominal distension occurs throughout the abdominal region and may be related to:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO occurs when there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to gas production, diarrhea, and distension. This condition can be a consequence of other gastrointestinal diseases or prolonged use of medications such as antibiotics.
Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO): Similar to SIBO, SIFO is characterized by the excessive proliferation of fungi in the small intestine, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. It may be associated with the use of medications that alter the intestinal flora or diets rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Practical tip:
To reduce abdominal bloating, it's important to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, as well as practicing regular physical activity and managing stress.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If you experience recurring symptoms of abdominal distension, or if these symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, it's important to consult a nutritionist or doctor to identify the exact cause of the problem. Often, distension can be an indicator of more serious conditions, such as food intolerances, inflammatory bowel diseases, or gastric problems that require specialized treatment. Do not attempt to self-medicate or ignore the symptoms, as early diagnosis can prevent future complications.
Conclusion
Abdominal distension can have different causes and requires attention, especially when symptoms persist. Understanding the types of distension helps identify what may be causing the problem and seek the right treatment. It is essential to adopt healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, to maintain a balanced digestive system. Don't ignore your body's signals and seek professional help to ensure the health of your digestive system.
Bruna Barbosa
Nutritionist – CRN-DF 16963
Specializing in Functional Nutrition, Phytotherapy, and Digestive Health, Dr. Bruna helps people understand their symptoms and transform their health starting from the gut, based on scientific evidence, empathy, and clinical practice.
With a strong focus on evidence-based nutritional education, Bruna produces accessible and well-founded content to guide more conscious, safe, and sustainable choices. Maintaining her commitment to professional ethics, clarity, and scientific excellence, she promotes real health in a personalized and responsible way.
Abdominal distension is a problem that affects many people and can have different causes and locations. This discomfort can range from simple temporary bloating to being a sign of more serious problems in the digestive system. Knowing the types of distension is essential to understanding what may be happening in your body and how to seek appropriate guidance for treatment. The causes can vary according to the location and symptoms presented, so it is important to have a deeper understanding of each type.
1️⃣ Upper Abdominal Distension 🤕
Upper distension occurs in the area above the navel and may be related to problems such as:
Indigestion: Occurs when the stomach cannot process food properly, generating discomfort and a feeling of heaviness. This may be associated with an inadequate diet, with excessive intake of fatty or spicy foods.
Delayed gastric emptying: This condition occurs when food remains in the stomach longer than normal, leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort. It can be caused by factors such as stress, excessive fiber consumption, or even conditions like gastroparesis.
Insufficient gastric acid production: Gastric acid is essential for food digestion, and its insufficiency can hinder digestion, resulting in distension. Some people with this condition may experience frequent belching and a feeling of early satiety.
Difficulty in regional muscle movement: The abdominal muscles play an important role in digestion, and any difficulty or dysfunction can contribute to gas accumulation and bloating. Physical activity can help strengthen these muscles.
Presence of H. pylori: This bacterium can cause stomach infection, resulting in symptoms such as pain, burning, and a feeling of fullness. H. pylori infection is one of the most common causes of gastritis and gastric ulcers.
Functional dyspepsia: Characterized by a feeling of discomfort or pain in the stomach without an apparent cause. People with functional dyspepsia may experience nausea, a feeling of fullness, and even pain in the upper abdominal region.
2️⃣ Lower Abdominal Distension 🤕
Lower distension is located below the navel and may indicate conditions such as:
Large intestinal bacterial overgrowth (LIBO): The excessive proliferation of bacteria in the large intestine can cause gas, discomfort, and even changes in bowel habits. This condition may be associated with problems in intestinal motility and the overuse of antibiotics.
Irritable bowel syndrome: A disorder that causes pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel rhythm, such as episodes of diarrhea or constipation. It is a chronic condition and often associated with stress and diet.
Chronic constipation: Difficulty in defecating can cause an accumulation of feces and gas in the intestine, resulting in bloating and distension. Constipation can be aggravated by a diet low in fiber, low water intake, and a sedentary lifestyle.
3️⃣ Moderate Abdominal Distension 🤕
Moderate abdominal distension occurs throughout the abdominal region and may be related to:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO occurs when there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to gas production, diarrhea, and distension. This condition can be a consequence of other gastrointestinal diseases or prolonged use of medications such as antibiotics.
Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO): Similar to SIBO, SIFO is characterized by the excessive proliferation of fungi in the small intestine, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. It may be associated with the use of medications that alter the intestinal flora or diets rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Practical tip:
To reduce abdominal bloating, it's important to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, as well as practicing regular physical activity and managing stress.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If you experience recurring symptoms of abdominal distension, or if these symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, it's important to consult a nutritionist or doctor to identify the exact cause of the problem. Often, distension can be an indicator of more serious conditions, such as food intolerances, inflammatory bowel diseases, or gastric problems that require specialized treatment. Do not attempt to self-medicate or ignore the symptoms, as early diagnosis can prevent future complications.
Conclusion
Abdominal distension can have different causes and requires attention, especially when symptoms persist. Understanding the types of distension helps identify what may be causing the problem and seek the right treatment. It is essential to adopt healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, to maintain a balanced digestive system. Don't ignore your body's signals and seek professional help to ensure the health of your digestive system.
Bruna Barbosa
Nutritionist – CRN-DF 16963
Specializing in Functional Nutrition, Phytotherapy, and Digestive Health, Dr. Bruna helps people understand their symptoms and transform their health starting from the gut, based on scientific evidence, empathy, and clinical practice.
With a strong focus on evidence-based nutritional education, Bruna produces accessible and well-founded content to guide more conscious, safe, and sustainable choices. Maintaining her commitment to professional ethics, clarity, and scientific excellence, she promotes real health in a personalized and responsible way.
