What are some possible causes of a bloated, protruding abdomen?

Common causes of a bloated, protruding abdomen include irritable bowel syndrome, rapid ingestion of food, lactose intolerance, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease, notes Healthline. A bloated abdomen can occur due to serious diseases, such as ovarian cancer, celiac disease and impaired digestion due to pancreatic insufficiency.

Abdominal bloating is a common condition where the abdomen swells up and becomes unpleasantly full, resulting in burping, flatulence and pain, explains Healthline. To prevent or lessen the symptoms of abdominal bloating, a person can eat slowly and avoid carbonated drinks, chewing gum and foods that produce gas. Lactose-intolerant individuals must use lactose-free dairy products.