tympany tympany tympany or tympanites (sometimes tympanism or tympania), also known as meteorism (especially in humans), is a medical condition in which excess gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract and causes abdominal distension. the term is from the greek τύμπανο (meaning "drum"); it should not be confused with tympanitis. tympanyother namesmeteorism, tympanites, tympanism, tympaniaspecialtygastroenterology possible causes bowel obstruction renal stones functional disorder overeating bacterial overgrowth inflammation of the bowel blunt kidney trauma peritonitis menstruation