What Is Gastric Distention?
Gastric distension basically is the swelling up of the stomach when air is pumped into it. This may be done when an individual is performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and blowing air into the mouth of a person who is not breathing properly. It may also take place when additional advanced medical procedures are carried out by emergency or hospital personnel, and air leaks through the gap of the lungs, into the stomach. Gastric distension is highly hazardous because it can cause the contents of the abdomen to come up to the oesophagus and fall back into the lungs. This may result in drowning, by filling the lungs with liquid, if there is sufficient matter in the abdomen. CPR standards set by the American Heart Association put forward that individuals suffering from gastric distension be twisted on their sides, and their abdomen must be compressed softly to push the air which is bloating the abdomen.
