Final answer:
Abdominal distention can be caused by indigestion, serious conditions like peritonitis resultant from infections or trauma, or metabolic syndrome associated with central obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are multiple reasons why someone might experience abdominal distention. One reason could be indigestion, or dyspepsia, which can lead to symptoms like upper abdominal fullness, heartburn, and nausea typically due to impaired digestion. While most cases of indigestion do not signal an organic disease, it can sometimes be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis, and infrequently a sign of a peptic ulcer or even cancer. Another serious condition that can cause abdominal distention is peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum often resulting from a perforation in the alimentary canal, as seen with ulcers, or from severe bacterial infections related to conditions like appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Lastly, abdominal distention may be an indicator of metabolic syndrome, especially when accompanied by symptoms like high blood pressure, high glucose levels, and abnormal lipid profiles. This syndrome is associated with central obesity, where excess fat is stored in the abdominal area, posing risks for noninfectious diseases.