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Abdomen - swollen - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Abdomen - swollen:

A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.

Common 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

Reviewed last on: 10/30/2010
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.

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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