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Abdomen - swollen

Definition

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

Causes

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also 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 or cancer

• 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 smaller amounts 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 health care provider.

For irritable bowel syndrome:

• Decrease emotional stress.

• Increase dietary fiber.

• Talk to your provider.

For a swollen abdomen due to other causes, follow the treatment prescribed by your provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your 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 to 8 hours.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, such as when the problem began and when it occurs.

The provider will also ask about other symptoms you may be having, such as:

• Absent menstrual period

• Diarrhea

• Excessive fatigue

• Excessive gas or belching

• Irritability

• Vomiting

• Weight gain or loss

Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan

• Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound

• Blood tests

• Colonoscopy

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

• Paracentesis

• Sigmoidoscopy

• Stool analysis

• Urine tests

• X-rays of the chest or abdomen

References

Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.

Landmann A, Bonds M, Postier R. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46.

McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.

Review Date: 10/9/2024

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.