Distended abdomen or fat?

[worriedhypochondriac]

Does anyone out there know if there is a difference between a distended abdomen and just plain gaining weight in that area? I was just wondering because i have gained a couple pounds over the past couple months but because I have always been tiny I got freaked out one day when I looked in the mirror and saw my abdominal area. I read that this could be a distended abdomen and that liver disease and other serious disease could cause it. I am really worried as I have been having some issues with my health that has caused me to go and see not only my regular doctor but a cardiologist, pulmonologist, ENT, nerologist, etc. I have had previous history of GERD and hyperacidity that I thought I outgrew. Now I am having respiratory issues that all the tests have come out negative for. I think my doctor is tired of seeing me in his office. I have had CT of my neck and brain, complete blood workup, chest xrays, pulmonology tests, and a ultrasound of my heart and a Upper GI, of which all came back ok, with the exception of a couple of nodules on my thyroid and mild to moderate acid reflux.  Out of all of this no one can seem to tell me why at times I feel like i can't get enough air through my nose which can be relieved by adding pressure to my upper abdomen. I feel like I am the only one suffering like this and was wondering if anyone else out there has had any of these problems. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[worriedhypochondriac]

No they did not scan that area. I am kind of afraid to have them do that. But my stomach is not hard it is more flabby. I can actually grab the flab in that area. Does that make a difference?

[KjFlicka]

The distended stomach from liver disease is called ascites and it's fluid retention in the abdomen. It totally made me look pregnant and mine was from liver disease. I had it for months before I knew what was going on. One difference is that the ascites belly is 'hard' as opposed to flabby. They would normally be able to see fluid if you had a CT scan of your abdomen. Did they scan in that area?