Also known as meteorism. Distension of the abdomen due to the presence of gas or air in the INTESTINE or in the peritoneal cavity (see PERITONEUM). The abdomen when struck with the ?ngers, gives under these conditions a drum-like (tympanitic) note.
(meteorism) n. distension of the abdomen with air or gas: the abdomen is resonant (drumlike) on *percussion. Causes include intestinal obstruction, functional bowel disorder, and *aerophagia.
Also known as tympanites, this is a distension of the ABDOMEN from excess gas or air in the INTESTINE or peritoneal cavity. On percussion the abdomen sounds resonant, like a drum. Causes include obstruction of the intestines, aerophagy (the swallowing of air), and IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS). Treatment is of the underlying condition. (See also FLATULENCE.)... meteorism
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