Abdominal distension is a general term describing a swollen or enlarged abdomen, while ascites is a specific cause of abdominal distension involving fluid accumulation within the peritoneal cavity.
Here's a breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | Abdominal Distension | Ascites |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Enlargement or swelling of the abdomen. | Fluid build-up in the peritoneal cavity. |
| Nature | A symptom or sign. | A specific condition or cause. |
| Cause | Can be caused by gas, bloating, constipation, ascites, organomegaly, tumors, etc. | Caused by various conditions, often related to liver disease, heart failure, or cancer. |
| Relationship | A broader term that includes ascites. | A specific type of abdominal distension. |
Abdominal Distension Explained
Abdominal distension simply means the abdomen is larger than usual. This can be due to many reasons, like:
- Excess gas
- Constipation
- Overeating
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Organ enlargement (e.g., hepatomegaly - enlarged liver)
- Tumors
Ascites Explained
Ascites is a specific cause of abdominal distension. According to the provided reference, ascites involves "fluid build-up in the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum." The peritoneum can become inflamed due to infection (peritonitis) or filled with fluid due to ascites. Common causes of ascites include:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
In summary, ascites is always abdominal distension, but abdominal distension is not always ascites. Ascites is a specific condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, while abdominal distension is a more general term for any swelling or enlargement of the abdomen from various potential causes.
