Abdomen - swollen

Definition of Abdomen - swollen

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

See also: Abdominal girth

Alternative Names for Abdomen - swollen

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

Considerations

Common Causes

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem can be caused by:

Home Care

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:

  • 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

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

What to expect at your health care provider's office

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:

Tests that may be done include:

visHeader

References for Abdomen - swollen

Bengiamin RN, Budhram GR, King KE, Wightman JM. Abdominal pain. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009:chap 21.

Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.

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.
Review Date: October 30, 2010

A.D.A.M. 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 an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. 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 policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation ( www.HONcode.ch.)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A.D.A.M. ©1997-2012 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Popular Health Centers

Advertisement
 
 

Sign Up for Free Newsletters

View All Newsletters

Ask Your Doctor the RIGHT Questions!

Get FREE tools and tips to get
the most from your doctor visit.
Emailed right to you!

The Ask Your Doctor email series
may contain sponsored content.
18+, US residents only please.