What does it mean when your abdomen swells?
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)
What helps lower abdominal swelling?
Some options that may help include:
- over-the-counter medications, including antacids or bismuth salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
- applying a heat pad to the stomach.
- drinking water.
- eating peppermint.
- drinking carbonated water.
- taking a laxative to relieve constipation.
Is abdominal swelling an emergency?
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to seek emergency care quickly, especially if the following symptoms are present: Your pain is a result of trauma, such as a car accident or fall. Your abdomen is swollen or sore to the touch. You are feeling dizzy or short of breath or fainting.
What illness causes stomach swelling?
Certain gastrointestinal diseases cause gas and bloating, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis).
Can your intestines swell?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name of a group of disorders that cause the intestines to become inflamed (red and swollen). The inflammation lasts a long time before subsiding, but it usually comes back over and over again. Approximately 1.6 million Americans have some kind of inflammatory bowel disease.
Why is my abdomen 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.
What causes a protruding stomach?
A person with an abdominal lump may notice an area of swelling or a bulge that protrudes from the abdominal area. Possible causes include hernias, lipomas, hematomas, undescended testicles, and tumors. Not all abdominal lumps require treatment, but some may need surgery.
Does ascites go away on its own?
Ascites can’t be cured but lifestyle changes and treatments may decrease complications.
What are the signs of a perforated bowel?
Symptoms of a bowel perforation include:
- sudden and severe abdominal pain.
- nausea and vomiting.
- fever.
- chills.
- swelling and bloating of the abdomen.
How do you treat a swollen large intestine?
Treatment for inflamed colon
- anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and aminosalicylates.
- immunosuppressants.
- antibiotics.
- anti-diarrheal medications.
- supplements, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
What does it mean when your lower abdomen is swollen?
What causes abdominal swelling? 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.
When should I see a GP for abdominal swelling?
Abdominal (stomach) swelling (bloating) can be caused by many conditions. Often symptoms ease without treatment. However if your abdominal swelling bothers you, see your GP in the first instance. Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
What are the signs of abdominal swelling and bloating?
Signs of Abdominal Swelling & Bloating 1 Tight abdomen 2 Feeling of indigestion 3 Distended stomach 4 Daily clothes get too tight suddenly especially in the abdominal area 5 Persistent feeling of discomfort in the stomach
Can constipation cause abdominal swelling?
Abdominal swelling and bloating are some of the common signs of constipation. So people who have recurrent constipation problems often have to suffer from abdominal swelling or bloating issues.