Alternate Names: Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen
Considerations: Abdominal distention is usually not caused by disease. For example, simple weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can all cause distention.
Abdominal distention commonly results from intestinal gas. This may result from eating fruits, vegetables, or nonabsorbable foods.
Abdominal distention may occasionally result from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Common Causes:
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 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: 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:
Physical examination may include a detailed examination of the abdomen.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: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.
