What do you need to know about abdominal swelling?
- avoiding alcohol
- quitting smoking
- losing weight, if necessary
- performing regular exercise to maintain muscle mass
- practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections
- talking to a doctor about any necessary vaccinations
What would cause your stomach to swell?
What can cause a swollen stomach?
- Common causes and treatment. Some common causes of a swollen stomach include IBS and lactose intolerance. ...
- Serious causes. Some of the causes of stomach bloating are more serious. ...
- Other causes. There are many other possible reasons why a person’s stomach might swell.
- Diagnosis
- Other treatment. ...
- When to see a doctor. ...
- Outlook. ...
- Prevention. ...
- Summary. ...
What are some possible causes of a swollen lower abdomen?
Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:
- Congestive heart failure. If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart's lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. ...
- Cirrhosis. ...
- Kidney disease. ...
- Kidney damage. ...
- Weakness or damage to veins in your legs. ...
- Inadequate lymphatic system. ...
- Severe, long-term protein deficiency. ...
What is the best home remedy for stomach pain?
Twenty-one home remedies
- Drinking water. The body needs water to digest and absorb nutrients from foods and beverages efficiently. ...
- Avoiding lying down. When the body is horizontal, the acid in the stomach is more likely to travel backward and move upward, which can cause heartburn.
- Ginger. ...
- Mint. ...
- Taking a warm bath or using a heating bag. ...
- BRAT diet. ...
Why does the top of your stomach swell?
The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut. This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat. It can also be caused by a problem with your digestion, such as: constipation.
Why is my upper stomach hard and swollen?
When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as overeating or drinking carbonated drinks, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.
How do you reduce upper abdominal bloating?
People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:Increase fiber gradually. Eating more fiber helps to prevent constipation and bloating. ... Replace sodas with water. ... Avoid chewing gum. ... Get more active every day. ... Eat at regular intervals. ... Try probiotics. ... Cut down on salt. ... Rule out medical conditions.More items...
Is stomach swelling serious?
It's unlikely that your swollen abdomen is the result of any serious illness, but there are a few things you should look out for. Call your doctor if your abdomen is getting bigger, or if you have other symptoms that accompany the swelling, such as fever or nausea.
What organ is at the top of your stomach?
The upper stomach houses several vital structures, including the upper intestines, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. While many issues responsible for upper stomach pain, such as gas or a stomach virus, are not cause for concern, others may require medical treatment.
What diseases cause a distended stomach?
The list of organic disorders that can cause bloating and distension also includes celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, prior gastroesophageal surgery (such as fundoplication or bariatric procedures), gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis, ascites, gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancy, hypothyroidism, ...
Why does my upper stomach look pregnant?
Endo belly can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure in your abdomen and your back. The lower abdomen can swell for days, weeks, or just a few hours. Many women who experience endo belly say that they “look pregnant,” even though they're not. Endo belly is just one symptom of endometriosis.
How do you know if bloating is serious?
Five: Signs your bloating is something more seriousWeight loss. Weight loss alongside continually bloating should be explored by your GP, especially if the weight loss was not part of a change of diet/lifestyle.Changes in bathroom habits. ... Fatigue. ... Appetite changes. ... Continual bloating.
Can heart problems cause stomach bloating?
Some non-GI disease, such as congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver, can also cause bloating by causing fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
When should you worry about stomach bloating?
Although a bloated stomach is a common symptom that is not harmless, it can actually be a sign of something serious. A bloated stomach that lasts longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin can be warning signs of cancer.
Why does my stomach feel hard when I press on it?
When your stomach feels hard, you may be experiencing bloating or distension of the abdomen. There's bloating and then there's, well, bloating. We're talking about when your stomach bloats outward — or distends — and becomes hard to press on. It can feel like you're carrying around a bowling ball in your belly.
Why is my stomach so bloated I look pregnant?
Endo belly can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure in your abdomen and your back. The lower abdomen can swell for days, weeks, or just a few hours. Many women who experience endo belly say that they “look pregnant,” even though they're not. Endo belly is just one symptom of endometriosis.
What does a hard belly mean?
Hard belly fat is a type of fat that lies deeper, mostly within the abdominal (stomach) area. This type of fat may also be associated with fat buildup in and around other organs.
What causes upper belly fat in females?
Upper belly fat can be the result of your body storing water weight. Sodium consumption, dehydration, and a lack of electrolytes can cause your body to retain water. This can make your stomach and other areas of your body appear swollen. Stick to a diet low in salt while you're working to lose belly fat.
Why does my stomach swell up after eating dairy?
Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when your body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal bloating and gas. These symptoms can cause your abdomen to swell. If you experience a swollen abdomen within two hours of ingesting dairy, you might be lactose intolerant.
Why is my abdomen swollen?
Your abdomen could be swollen for different reasons. These range from eating too much to pregnancy. Only your doctor will be able to determine the exact cause of your swollen abdomen. A common cause of abdominal swelling is gas. Swallowing air as part of a nervous habit or from eating foods that are high in fiber can lead to gas production.
What does it mean when your stomach is swollen?
A swollen abdomen occurs when your stomach area is larger than normal. This is sometimes known as a distended abdomen or swollen belly. A swollen abdomen is often uncomfortable or even painful. A swollen abdomen has a number of potential causes and is a common occurrence.
What to do if your kidneys are swollen?
Medical treatment. If rest and lowering the amount of sodium in your diet don’t work to relieve symptoms, your doctor might suggest using diuretics. Diuretics will help your kidneys remove more of the fluid causing the swelling. In rare cases, an infection can develop in your ascitic fluid.
What is it called when fluid builds up in the abdomen?
Ascites. Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up inside your abdomen. This buildup is usually due to problems with your liver, such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when your liver becomes extremely scarred. When ascites first develops, you probably won’t notice any symptoms.
How to stop stomach swelling from gas?
Some of these foods are beans and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks and drinking out of a straw.
How to know if you have a swollen abdomen?
Seek medical care if you have extreme diarrhea or blood in your stool. If you find that you’re unable to eat or drink for more than eight hours, tell your doctor.
Is This an Emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If you think you may have COVID-19, use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker .
What does it mean when you have bloated air in your stomach?
Swallowed Air. Bloating is a feeling of increased abdominal pressure. When this symptom occurs in the upper abdomen, it often means something is going on in the stomach or small intestines. Swallowed air is one cause of stomach bloating, and if this is the trigger, belching is often present as well.
Why does my stomach feel bloated?
Dyspepsia is caused by a variety of factors, including medications, delayed stomach emptying, swallowing problems, stomach ulcers or acid reflux.
What causes bloating and diarrhea?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a situation where there is an increase in the amount and type of bacteria that reside in the small bowel, can lead to abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, bloating and excess gas. Long-standing constipation can also lead to a buildup of stool and trapped gas, causing an uncomfortable bloating sensation.
What foods cause bloating?
Bloating is common in people who do not properly digest certain types of carbohydrates -- such as lactose in milk, fructose from fruits and vegetables, sugar alcohols commonly found in no-sugar-added foods, or oligosaccharides, found in certain grains, onions, garlic and dried beans, peas and lentils.
What is the condition where the immune system attacks the small intestine?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system -- triggered by gluten -- attacks the small intestine. In people with celiac disease , consuming gluten, found naturally in wheat, barley and rye, can lead to bloating, gas and other symptoms.
Is bloating a bowel disorder?
Abdominal bloating can also be related to a bowel disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a collection of symptoms that includes abdominal discomfort, which may be caused by cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a situation where there is an increase in the amount and type ...
What to do if you have abdominal distension?
If you have functional abdominal distension and the cause is unknown, it might take some trial and error to manage it. Your healthcare provider may recommend a hydrogen breath test to help determine the cause of excess intestinal gas. They might also recommend you try dietary changes, probiotics or enzymes to improve digestive processes. If they suspect muscle weakness as a cause, they might suggest abdominal or pelvic floor exercises.
What causes distension in the peritoneum?
Another cause of abdominal distension is fluid build-up in the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum. These tissues can become inflamed from infection ( peritonitis ), or they can be filled with fluid as a result of a condition called ascites. Usually, a side-effect of liver scarring ( cirrhosis ), ascites occurs when pressure on the blood vessels in the liver ( portal hypertension) forces fluid into the abdominal cavity. Healthcare providers can often identify fluid in the peritoneum from a physical exam, but an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive.
Why is my abdomen distended?
You can see and measure the difference, and sometimes you can feel it. A distended abdomen can be due to bloating from gas, or it can be due to accumulated fluid, tissue, or digestive contents. It can be chronic or acute.
What is a build up of fluid caused by liver disease?
A build-up of fluid caused by liver disease ( ascites ).
What are the internal organs of the abdomen?
Solid organs include the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus. These can become enlarged due to inflammation or growths such as a tumor, abscess or cyst. Your healthcare provider might be able to feel that they are enlarged, or they might need to look at an image of the internal organs to tell. A large growth might be palpable through the skin. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the condition.
Is a distended abdomen a sign of a serious condition?
A distended abdomen is often a temporary problem linked to digestion, but it can be uncomfortable, and it can sometimes indicate a serious condition. There’s no need to suffer in silence. If you have a digestive problem, your healthcare provider can help you narrow down causes and strategies for managing it at home. If you have an acute condition that isn't improving, you should seek care to rule out serious causes. Sometimes a symptom is a blessing in disguise that leads you to treat an unsuspected condition—or simply discover a food intolerance.
What causes a build up of urine?
Urinary retention causing a build-up of urine.
What Causes Upper Abdominal Bloating?
When eating, food is digested in the stomach and enters the small intestines where the enzymes break down the proteins, sugars, carbohydrates and sugars for energy . Gas-inducing foods are more difficult to digest, and can cause gas to build up during the digestive process. The amount of gas that different foods cause may vary from person to person and some examples of gas-producing foods are fried and fatty foods, vegetables such as broccoli, and Brussel sprouts, beans, some fruits, eggs, breads and carbonated or alcoholic drinks.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas produces hormones and digestive juices that regulate blood sugar, and pancreatic cancer symptoms include jaundice, upper abdominal bloating and pain that radiates to the back, poor appetite, and rapid weight loss. Although there are various treatments for pancreatic cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, only about 20% of people diagnosed with the disease are expected to live more than a year.
What are the symptoms of dyspepsia?
Symptoms include abdominal bloating and pain, feeling uncomfortably full, heartburn, a loss of appetite, regurgitation, burping, and nausea. This disorder is often associated with other stomach and intestinal disorders and can be aggravated by caffeine, alcohol, or medicines such as aspirin. Treatment includes a change in diet, and eating smaller amounts of food more often during the day.
What is the cause of bloating and pain in the upper abdomen?
A common disorder called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), affects the large intestine causing upper abdominal bloating and pain. Symptoms can also include diarrhea or constipation, and the condition affects more women than men. Irritable bowel syndrome may also be associated with depression, stress, anxiety, or a previous intestinal infection.
What happens if you are lactose intolerant?
If you are lactose intolerant, your body is unable to fully digest the sugar in most dairy products. For people who are lactose intolerant the effects are normally harmless, but its symptoms can include uncomfortable gas, diarrhea, upper abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain after eating or drinking dairy products. Treatment for lactose intolerance might include a dietary restriction and synthetic lactase supplements.
How to get rid of bloating in the stomach?
It has an enzyme that breaks down indigestible sugars in vegetables and beans. Tablets or capsules containing simethicone can also help alleviate symptoms of upper abdominal bloating.
What does it mean when your stomach is bloated?
Abdominal bloating is a health condition in which the upper abdomen is gaseous, may be visibly swollen or distended, and feels uncomfortably full. It’s a common complaint among both children and adults, and the symptoms can be difficult to live with. Moreover, it can also be accompanied by burping or belching, pain, excessive gas or flatulence,swallowing of air, and abdominal rumbling.
When can these symptoms mean ovarian cancer?
Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate.
What does it mean when your abdomen is bloated?
Abdominal Swelling and Bloating Symptoms. Abdominal bloating and swelling is described in many different ways. Some people describe it more as a symptom —as a feeling of indigestion or a tight abdomen, and some people define it more as a sign —that they can visually see that their belly is distended or their clothes look too tight around the middle.
What causes bloating in the liver?
Ascites: Ascites is an excess amount of peritoneal fluid that can cause extreme bloating. It is most often caused by tumor metastases in the abdomen (such as from ovarian cancer) or liver conditions like cirrhosis. In liver conditions, it is often accompanied by jaundice —yellowish discoloration of the skin.
What is the term for when the stomach is released into the duodenum?
Dumping syndrome: Dumping syndrome is when contents of the stomach are rapidly released into the duodenum, often as a complication of bariatric surgery. Pancreatic cancer: Unfortunately, symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don't appear until the disease is quite advanced, but these can include abdominal bloating and pain.
Why does my stomach swell?
Constipation: Constipation is a common cause of abdominal swelling and bloating, and one that many people experience at times. Unfortunately, it can also mask the diagnosis of other causes, so any con stipation that is lingering and persistent should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
What foods cause a hernia?
High on the list of suspects include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, beans, some fruits, and alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Weight gain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Swallowing air. Hernias, both external and internal abdominal hernias. Ovarian cysts.
What is nuisance symptoms?
So-called "nuisance symptoms" can interfere with your quality of life, and by that measure, are not just a nuisance. If your symptoms do not improve with whatever treatment is recommended, talk to your doctor or seek out a second opinion.
How does PMS affect your body?
The symptoms of PMS can be both emotional and physical. They’re caused by changes in hormone levels that occur during your menstrual cycle. Two of the physical symptoms of PMS are bloating and weight gain. Bloating occurs due to water retention, which, like many other PMS symptoms, is caused by hormonal changes.
Why does my stomach swell?
Bloating or swelling around your stomach or abdomen can have many causes, including digestive conditions, hormonal changes, and even some medications. In addition to abdominal bloating or swelling, it’s possible that you may have noticed that you’ve also gained some weight without changing your exercise routine or diet.
Why does endometriosis cause weight gain?
Medications: The side effects of some medications used to treat endometriosis, such as hormonal birth control, may lead to weight gain.
What happens when you are stressed?
When you’re stressed, you can experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. Additionally, some researchers believe. Trusted Source.
What causes fluid to accumulate in the abdomen?
tuberculosis. Ascites happens when high blood pressure in the veins of the liver ( portal hypertension) is combined with reduced liver function. This causes fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. Symptoms can include: swollen or distended abdomen.
What causes ascites in the liver?
In addition to cirrhosis, additional causes of ascites can include: some types of cancer, such as ovarian, liver, colorectal, or pancreatic cancers. heart failure. kidney failure. pancreatic disease.
How do you know if you have Cushing's syndrome?
Two of them are weight gain and accumulation of fat around the abdomen. Other symptoms include: round face (moon face) thin arms and legs. fat accumulation at the base of the neck. easy bruising.
What causes a burning sensation in the left side of the stomach?
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that happens either on the inside of your stomach’s lining ( gastric ulcer) or the upper part of your small intestine ( duodenal ulcer ). They can be caused by a bacterial infection or long-term use of aspirin and certain pain relievers. Peptic ulcers can lead to burning stomach pain, which you’ll feel on the left side of your upper abdomen.
Why does my upper abdomen hurt?
Typically, upper abdominal pain is caused by something relatively minor, such as a pulled muscle, and will go away on its own in a few days. But there are some other underlying conditions that could lead to discomfort in the area. Visit your doctor if the pain in your upper abdomen persists.
How to treat abdominal pain?
Placing an ice pack on the area, for example, can help ease symptoms of muscle strain. Just remember that taking aspirin or ibuprofen can cause stomach irritation, which can make abdominal pain worse.
What are the symptoms of a swollen abdomen?
You should seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following: severe pain or pressure. fever. nausea or vomiting that won’t go away. unexpected weight loss. yellowing of the skin (jaundice) abdominal sweating. severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen. bloody stools.
What is the condition that slows down or prevents the normal spontaneous movement of your stomach muscles?
Gastroparesis is a condition that slows down or prevents the normal spontaneous movement of your stomach muscles, interfering with digestion. Gastroparesis is often caused by certain medications, such as opioid painkillers, some antidepressants, allergy medications, or drugs for high blood pressure. You may feel pain in the left side of your upper abdomen, where your stomach is located.
How long does it take for a gallstone to hurt?
Pain caused by gallstones may last from several minutes to a few hours.
How long does upper abdomen pain last?
But, if your upper abdomen pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can determine if your pain is nothing to worry about, or diagnose the underlying condition and come up with a treatment plan. Read this article in Spanish.
