Abdominal distension
What this marker measures
The degree to which bother from episodic visible expansion of the belly is experienced.
Health categories/Interpretations informed by this marker
Clinical features
● Lower GI symptoms: abdominal distension is a commonly-reported lower gastrointestinal symptom that can affect quality of life.
Interpreting the result
Patient management insights
Investigate the underlying cause of elevated calprotectin. Adjunctive dietary or supplement strategies may be considered only once the clinical context is established.
GRADE C
Take oral sodium butyrate: oral sodium butyrate may improve abdominal distension and flatulence in IBS.4,5
GRADE D
Take PHGG: partially hydrolysed guar gum may reduce abdominal distension in IBS-C.6
GRADE D
Tips for patients discussion
"Your questionnaire responses show that abdominal distension, a noticeable swelling of your tummy, is something you're experiencing. It's a common symptom and can affect how you feel day to day. There are a few options we can try to help ease it, and we'll start with the one that best suits your situation."
Source references for all clinical associations, interpretation definitions, and patient management insights on this card.
1. Dorosti, M. et al. Association of dietary fat type with abdominal bloating: a case control study. BMC Gastroenterol 26, 94 (2026).
2. Cappello, G. et al. Peppermint oil (Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Dig Liver Dis 39, 530–536 (2007).
3. Liu, J.-H. et al. Enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial. J Gastroenterol 32, 765–768 (1997).
4. Scarpellini, E. et al. Efficacy of butyrate in the treatment of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Dig Liver Dis Suppl 1, 19–22 (2007).
5. Lewandowski, K. et al. The effectiveness of microencapsulated sodium butyrate at reducing symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Prz Gastroenterol 17, 28–34 (2022).
6. Russo, L. et al. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: effects of gender, age, and body mass index. Saudi J Gastroenterol 21, 104–110 (2015).