Abdomen - swollen

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

Alternative Names

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

Update Date: 10/30/2010

Updated 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.