Tympany
Tympany is a medical term used to describe a drum-like percussion sound or distension of a hollow organ caused by gas, most commonly in the abdomen. The word derives from the Greek tympanon, meaning drum, and in clinical use refers to the characteristic resonant note heard when tapping on a gas-filled structure.
In clinical examination, tympany refers to the tympanic percussion note produced over distended gas-filled loops of
Causes of abdominal tympany range from benign to emergent. Common factors include aerophagia (air swallowing), diets
Diagnosis relies on physical examination augmented by imaging. Percussion and auscultation are standard, with radiographs or
Treatment is etiology-driven. Mild gaseous distension may require observation and supportive care, while bowel obstruction or
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Gas distension due to benign causes generally has a favorable outlook,