ABDOMINAL DISTENSION

Abdominal distension indicates either hypotonia of abdominal musculature (Pot belly) or increased intra­abdominal pressure due to fluid, gas or organomegaly- often referred as 4 Fs, i.e. fat,fluid, flatus and feces (Table

14.8). A 5^th F, i.e. fetus may be considered in adolescent females.

Acute intestinal obstruction is the most important cause of sudden abdomen distension in childhood, while gradually progressive distension usually indicates ascites.

Pot belly is a common cause of distended abdomen in Indian toddlers due to malnutrition or rickets, which needs to be distinguished from serious pathologies.

14.4.7