Abdomen, swollen

Alternative names:

abdominal distention; distended abdomen; swelling in the abdomen; swollen belly

Home care:

For distention resulting from a heavy meal, eat in moderation. The condition will go away when the food is digested.

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:

• the abdominal girth is progressive and unrelenting.
• the swelling is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
• the abdomen is tender to the touch.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting swollen abdomen in detail may include:

• 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

Physical examination may include a detailed examination of the abdomen.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• abdominal CT scan
• abdominal ultrasound
• blood tests
• endoscopy (EGD) or sigmoidoscopy
• laparoscopy
• paracentesis
• stool analysis
• X-rays of the abdomen

If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of your swollen abdomen, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.