Abdomen - swollen

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Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen

Distention resulting from a heavy meal will go away when the food is digested. Eating in moderation will help prevent swelling.

For distention caused by swallowing air, awareness often leads to self-control. Eat slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, avoid chewing gum or sucking on candies, avoid drinking through a straw, or sipping the surface of a hot beverage.

For distention caused by malabsorption, try changing diets and reducing milk consumption. Consult your doctor.

For irritable bowel syndrome, increase dietary fiber, decrease emotional stress, and consult your doctor.

For distention resulting from other causes, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

Reasons to call your health care provider include:

• The abdominal swelling is getting worse and does not go away
• The swelling is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms
• Your abdomen is tender to the touch

Your health care provider will obtain a medical history and perform a detailed examination.

Medical history questions documenting swollen abdomen in detail may include the following:

• Time pattern
  • Did it begin recently?
  • Does it occur after meals or after specific foods?
• What other symptoms are occurring at the same time? Especially, have you noticed:
  • Weight gain
  • Irritability
  • Absent menstrual period
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Excessive gas (flatus) or belching
  • Diarrhea

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Endoscopy
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
  • Colonoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Paracentesis
• Stool analysis
• X-rays of the abdomen

Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.