Why Is Your Stomach Big?

A considerable amount of body fat is stored around your abdomen. This buildup of fatty tissue can be unpleasant to look at as well as a considerable health risk. Fat buildup around your mid-section can raise your risk for a lot of health problems. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, certain types of cancer and sleep apnea are diseases that can develop as a result of belly fat. Your stomach can become larger due to some diseases as well.

Fat

Fat can be stored around your abdomen if you ingest more calories than your body needs. The amount of fat you store around your abdomen depends on your lifestyle, eating habits, physical fitness, genetic predispositions and gender. Your gender and genetics cannot be changed, but changing your lifestyle--including physical activity and eating habits--can affect the amount of fat you carry around your belly.

Stomach Ailments

Certain ailments of your stomach can cause it to become larger or feel bloated. Stomach polyps, tumors, gastritis and ulcers are all ailments that can cause the abdomen to swell. These ailments may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. If you have any combination of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

Intestinal Blockage

Any obstruction of your intestinal tract that does not allow fluid of food to pass through is known as an intestinal blockage, and it causes a buildup of food matter in your abdomen, which may lead to abdominal swelling. If swelling is present, and you have not been able to have a bowel movement in awhile, an intestinal blockage may be the reason. This ailment requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications.

Peritonitis

Peritonitis, or inflammation of the membrane that covers the internal organs of your abdomen, can cause abdominal swelling. The most likely cause of peritonitis is a fungal or bacterial infection. Peritonitis is usually accompanied by fever, pain and nausea. Peritonitis has the potential to be a life-threatening ailment if not treated promptly.

Internal Hemorrhage

Blunt trauma to the abdomen can cause swelling if internal bleeding in present. It is not uncommon for trauma victims to complain of abdominal swelling due to internal bleeding. Ruptured spleens are a common cause of abdominal swelling. Any internal bleeding can be fatal.