Severe Abdominal Distension: I Feel Like I'm Going to Pop Even When I've Not Eaten
I’m a 21-year-old female, and there's absolutely no way I could be pregnant, but I do have a background of chronic constipation that complicates things. For the past month, I've been experiencing significant bloating after undergoing a bowel clean-out. Normally, my abdomen tends to settle and flatten afterward, but this time the situation hasn’t improved at all. To address my concerns, I even performed a smaller clean-out a week later to ensure I was thoroughly emptied; however, the unusual bloating in my lower abdomen remained unchanged. I underwent an ultrasound to investigate the possibility of ovarian cysts, but the results came back clear. Unfortunately, my appointment with a gastroenterologist is several months away. Eating has become a daunting task because if I consume anything substantial, I feel as if my stomach might burst, and the bloating never subsides. Interestingly, my constipation has improved; I am managing to go regularly now. However, an x-ray showed some uncertainty about a stool mass located in my colon—it was unclear whether it was on the left or right side. The doctor speculated that my colon might be stretched, but this was merely conjecture. Currently, my condition seems to have worsened dramatically, with a burning sensation in various parts of my intestines, as though they could rupture. I’m also noticing a concerning trend of rapid weight loss, and I find myself feeling incredibly frustrated. Does anyone have insights into what might be causing these symptoms?
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 6:01:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and distress due to severe abdominal distension, especially after having a history of chronic constipation. Your symptoms can be quite concerning, especially given the combination of bloating, a burning sensation in the intestines, and rapid weight loss. While I cannot provide definitive diagnoses without more information, I can offer some insights and actionable steps to help alleviate your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Bloating and Distension: This may be linked to gastrointestinal motility issues, lingering effects from previous constipation, or potential food intolerances.
- Burning Sensation and Weight Loss: These symptoms are concerning and should be monitored closely.
- Dietary Adjustments: Implementing dietary changes could assist with alleviating your bloating.
Explanation:
Bloating and abdominal distension can occur for various reasons, including changes in gut motility, intestinal inflammation, or even food intolerances (such as lactose or gluten). The burning sensation could be due to irritation in the intestines. Rapid weight loss often indicates that the body may not be absorbing nutrients properly, likely due to the ongoing gastrointestinal issues.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Diet:
- Start a food diary to track what you eat and any associated symptoms. This will help identify potential triggers for your bloating (e.g., dairy, gluten).
- Focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals that are low in gas-producing foods (like beans and carbonated drinks). Instead, try bland foods such as rice, bananas, and toast.
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Hydrate:
- Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water. This can help with digestion and may reduce bloating. Aim for at least 8 cups of fluids daily, adjusting as necessary based on your activity level.
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Gentle Exercise:
- If you’re able, consider light physical activity such as walking or yoga. Gentle movement can help stimulate bowel function and reduce feelings of heaviness.
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Over-the-Counter Relief:
- You may consider using over-the-counter medications such as simethicone (Gas-X) for reducing gas or digestive enzymes (like Beano) to help with digestion.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Pay careful attention to your symptoms. If you notice worsening abdominal pain, fevers, persistent nausea, or if your appetite diminishes significantly, it would be very important to seek prompt medical evaluation, even before your gastroenterology appointment.
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Prepare for Your Gastroenterologist Visit:
- Compile all information from your food diary and any symptom patterns. This can be invaluable for your doctor to determine the next steps for diagnosis or treatment.
Please know that you're not alone, and your symptoms are important. It’s worthwhile to stay proactive about your health by monitoring changes and seeking help when needed. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional details!
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