Abdomen - swollen

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

A swollen abdomen that is caused by eating a heavy meal will go away when you digest the food. Eating in moderation will help prevent swelling.

For a swollen abdomen caused by swallowing air:

• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Avoid chewing gum or sucking on candies
• Avoid drinking through a straw or sipping the surface of a hot beverage
• Eat slowly

For a swollen abdomen caused by malabsorption, try changing your diet and limiting milk. Talk to your doctor.

For irritable bowel syndrome:

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• Decrease emotional stress
• Increase dietary fiber
• Talk to your doctor

For a swollen abdomen due to other causes, follow prescribed therapy to treat the cause.

Call your health care provider if:

• The abdominal swelling is getting worse and does not go away
• The swelling occurs with other unexplained symptoms
• Your abdomen is tender to the touch
• You have a high fever
• You have severe diarrhea or bloody stools
• You are unable to eat or drink for more than 6 - 8 hours

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, such as:

• Time pattern
  • When did the abdominal swelling begin?
  • Does it occur after meals or after eating certain foods?
• What other symptoms occur at the same time? For example, have you had:
  • Absent menstrual period
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Excessive gas or belching
  • Irritability
  • Vomiting
  • Weight gain

Tests that may be done include:

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

Review Date: 10/30/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).