Health Encyclopedia

Abdomen - swollen

Definition

A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.

Alternative Names

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

Considerations

Abdominal distention is a common condition, which usually results from over-eating, rather than from a serious illness. Simple weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can also cause distention.

Abdominal distention is often caused by intestinal gas. This may result from eating fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables. Legumes such as beans are common sources of intestinal gas. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest dairy foods, and eating such foods may cause distention.

Abdominal distention may also occasionally result from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can be a sign of serious medical problems. There are usually other symptoms in this case.

Common Causes

Overeating
Lactose intolerance
Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Partial bowel obstruction
Ovarian cyst
Uterine fibroids

Home Care

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.

Call your health care provider if

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

What to expect at your health care provider's office

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

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

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

Review Date:10/9/2008
Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously 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 (10/26/2006).

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.