---

•	Women's Center Home
•	Symptoms A-Z

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Abdomen - swollen

Definition

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

See also: Abdominal girth

Alternative Names

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

Causes

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

• Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
• Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)
• Gas in the intestines from eating foods that are high in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lactose intolerance
• Ovarian cyst
• Partial bowel blockage
• Pregnancy
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Uterine fibroids
• Weight gain

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.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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 Office Visit

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

References

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.

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. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.