Question

Infant abdominal distension can be caused by various factors, including normal physiological phenomena, intestinal gas, acute intestinal obstruction, or intestinal torsion. How should parents identify these situations and take appropriate countermeasures?

Answer

Infant abdominal distension may be caused by the following conditions:

  1. Normal Phenomenon: Due to infants’ predominant use of abdominal breathing, their abdomen appears frog-like and larger. If the baby is generally in good health without symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or restlessness, there is no need to worry excessively.
  2. Intestinal Gas: This may be caused by excessive crying, incorrect suckling posture, or inhaling too much air while being fed formula milk. Infants may experience abdominal bloating and crying, but the abdomen feels soft. Gas can be relieved by massaging around the navel in a clockwise direction to help expel gas.
  3. Acute Intestinal Obstruction or Intestinal Torsion: These conditions lead to abdominal distension, accompanied by marked abdominal pain and vomiting, infants