Abdominal distension occurs when substances, such as air (gas) or fluid, accumulate in the abdomen causing its outward expansion beyond the normal girth of the stomach and waist. It is typically a symptom of an underlying disease or dysfunction in the body, rather than an illness in its own right. When abdominal distension is caused by a self-limiting condition, such as overeating or indigestion, the treatment includes resting the stomach by not eating solid foods until abdominal distension and other discomfort or symptoms have passed for a period of time. In some cases, medications are used to treat abdominal distension. Antibiotics may be prescribed when abdominal distension is caused by a bacterial infection, such as in bacterial food poisoning, abdominal abscess or peritonitis. Treatment of abdominal distension that is caused by serious or life-threatening conditions, such as intestinal obstruction, serious food poisoning, abdominal abscess or peritonitis, includes hospitalization, intravenous fluids and medications. Surgery may also be needed to correct intestinal obstruction, to drain an abdominal abscess or to treat some forms of abdominal cancer. Urinary retention due to an enlarged prostate and other conditions is treated by inserting a catheter and draining the bladder.