Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Causes My Stomach To Swell

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What Causes A Swollen Stomach?

Did you know that you get little rolls of âinsulin fatâ on your frequent insulin injection/infusion site spots? Yuck! Maybe Iâm just naive, but I thought those little bulges developing on my otherwise-gratifyingly-flat stomach were just advancing age. Or too much cheese. But my endo took one look at my tummy a few weeks ago, and said, âThose sites are overused! Canât you see the damage? Itâs plain as day.â She took out a ballpoint pen and actually drew circles just like these: Furthermore, when I had some catch-up OmniPod training with the Insulet rep a few days later, she just shook her head. âClear to see, but itâs not that bad. Iâve seen some patients who have little baseballs of fat in the spots they keep using.â Ooh, too much information. She says my spots are still âfreshâ enough that I might be able to reduce the puffiness by applying warm compresses regularly in the evenings. If I ever got around to sitting down quietly for more than a few minutes at a time, that is. Usually by the time all the kids are quiet upstairs, I flop on the couch for a very short TV respite before going to bed, and there ainât no way Iâm getting back up to prepare a special âwarm compressâ for my belly. Not unless itâs life-threatening, that is.Continue reading > >

Stop Wearing Tight Clothing While Eating

Its sometimes not about WHAT you eat but HOW you eat. This may seem a little far-fetched but tight clothing can constrict your stomach, making it more difficult for things to pass through, explains The Gut Stuff team. Therefore, loosen your clothes before eating.

Its the same with the position in which youre sitting when you have your meal check your eating position, says the team.

Why Is My Dogs Stomach Hard

We have all experienced a bloated stomach from time to time.

Though a hard stomach in humans is often related to something we ate or other dietary issues, its not always as straightforward for our furry friends.

So what could cause a dog to have a hard and bloated stomach, especially when its not painful?

In this article we will discuss the most common causes of abdominal bloating in our canine friends, and help you better understand why your pup could be experiencing a hard stomach without pain.

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Where The Fluid Builds Up

Fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity. This is the area of the body below the ribs and lungs and above the hip bones. It contains the stomach, small and large bowel, pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidneys.

The fluid collects between the 2 layers of tissue that surround the abdominal organs. These layers are called the peritoneum. One layer lines the wall of the abdomen. The other covers the organs.

The peritoneum usually produces a small amount of fluid. This helps the organs in the abdomen to move smoothly.

Sometimes a large amount of fluid builds up between the 2 layers, which makes the abdomen swell. This can be very uncomfortable.

This fluid build up is called ascites.

What Causes Abdominal Swelling

I ALWAYS HAD A SWOLLEN STOMACH, UNTIL I LEARNED ABOUT ...

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. If you dont release this gas, it can lead to abdominal swelling.

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How To Tell The Difference Between Belly Fat And Bloat

One easy way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is to note belly fat does not cause your stomach to expand wildly throughout the course of a day bloat does. One other way to tell the difference between bloat and belly fat is you can physically grasp belly fat with your hand, you cannot with bloat.

Things To Tell Your Doctor:

  • Is the symptom located in the upper or lower abdomen?Is it in a concentrated area?
  • Is your bloating or distension associated with burping?
  • Do you experience nausea or vomiting?
  • Is the symptom associated with pain in your abdomen?Upper or lower?
  • Does the bloating or distension relate to passing gas or a change in your bowel habits ?
  • Are your symptoms related to food? Which ones?
  • Do they occur right after eating?
  • Do your symptoms increase during the day or improve during night hours?

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Why Does My Stomach Get So Bloated

Bloating. Itâs that uncomfortable, overly full, sometimes even painful feeling in your stomach that makes you want to take a nap until the sensation passes. Bloating even can make your stomach look swollen or feel hard to the touch. Although women often feel bloated for a few days or weeks before their period, anyone can have occasional bloating.

What makes your stomach feel like a balloon has expanded inside? Bloating usually happens when gas temporarily builds up in your stomach or intestines. When youre bloated, you may notice that you burp or pass gas frequently, and find that releasing that air brings you some relief. Bloating also occurs when your digestive system slows down and you donât have regular bowel movements.

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Drink Ginger Tea Or Eat It Raw

What Can Cause A Swollen Abdomen ?

Ginger is a medicinal property-rich herb which is in use since ancient civilization for curing different basic ailments. You can chew raw ginger directly or can prepare its hot drink , in all the forms it works amazing. It can help in reducing inflammation in your gut with its substances like gingerols and shogaols that calms your intestinal muscles and relieves the gas and abdominal swelling problem.

Start your day with a hot and delicious ginger tea to keep your digestive function working smoothly. It is very easy to prepare. You can add honey in it in order to sweeten its taste and can also use few lemon drops which will again enhance its taste and nutrient essence. Also, make your own ginger supplement at home with a powdered ginger root that you can consume every day to enhance your digestive health and getting rid of gas and abdominal swelling problems.

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Why Is My Stomach Bloated Causes And 10 Ways To Reduce Bloating

  • We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
  • Why is my stomach bloated, you may ask. Rightly so. A bloated tum can at best be uncomfortable and at worst be a cause for concern. Here are some of the reasons why you may be suffering and how to ease your discomfort.

    Bloating is a common issue for many women and can be caused by a number of factors, says Claire Snowdon-Darling, a hormones expert, head of The College of Functional Wellness and founder of kinesiology clinic Balanced Wellness. And women suffer from bloating more because high levels of oestrogen will cause water retention. Women also experience more IBS symptoms due to hormonal imbalances, and one of the symptoms of IBS is bloating, she explains.

    Abdominal bloating can have different reasons behind it. Its characterised by a feeling of gassiness or feeling distended, explains The Gut Stuff team, aka Lisa and Alana Macfarlane, co-authors of The Gut Stuff: An empowering guide to your gut and microbes .

    Youre not alone in thinking Why is my stomach bloated? either. Its one of the most common gut symptoms, and one of the things we get asked about the most, says The Gut Stuff team. In fact, its become a popular Instagram trend that people tend to associate with how bloating LOOKS, but a lot of people are still confused as to what it actually is and if they should worry about it.

    Having An Undiagnosed Condition

    There are a few conditions that can cause bloating. Heart and liver disease and venous insufficiency can cause excess fluid in the abdomen or limbs. These conditions come with more prominent and tell-tale symptoms, and your health care provider can help you identify them and other illnesses that can cause bloating.

    Chronic conditions can cause swelling and bloating in certain areas, Hoffman said. If you have a history or concern of these conditions, then its best to talk with your primary care provider.

    Other gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bloating and stomach ailments. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease and irritable bowel syndrome can all cause bloating. Acid reflux, and the medications to treat it, can cause bloating and a feeling of increased gas in the abdomen, leading to belching.

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    Is The Swelling Localized Or Widespread

    To begin with, examine your stomach visually. Is the swelling localised, or can you identify bulges in other places on your body? If you answer yes to the former, you are most likely suffering from bloating that has targeted the stomach and the abdominal regions. If you notice additional bulges elsewhere and particularly on the thighs, hips and buttocks, however, you are probably carrying excess fat.

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    Does Drinking Water Help With Bloating

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    While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking water may help to reduce bloat by ridding the body of excess sodium, Fullenweider says. Another tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water before your meal too. This step offers the same bloat-minimizing effect and can also prevent overeating, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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    Stop Smoking Chewing Gum Or Wearing Dentures

    According to the charity Guts UK!chewing gum, smoking or wearing loose dentures all promote air swallowing and can cause bloating. Avoid using gum and quit smoking. Visit the NHS Stop Smoking Service, or call the Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044 for help. If your dentures are loose see a dentist.

    How Is Bloating Diagnosed

    Your doctor can generally diagnose the cause of your bloating through a physical exam in the office. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know if your bloating is occasional or if it occurs all the time.

    Temporary bloating is usually not serious. If it happens all the time, your doctor may order other tests. These could include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This could be an X-ray or CT scan.

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    Questions To Ask Your Doctor

    • Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
    • Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
    • What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
    • Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
    • What kind of tests will I need?
    • What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?

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    Hallmarks Of Abdominal Swelling

    Swollen Belly & Bloating As Day Progresses Dr.Berg on Bloated Stomach

    Abdominal swelling is a bothersome, uncomfortable symptom that can leave feeling more full than you are and that your pants are suddenly two sizes too small. It can be due to common gastrointestinal disorders like heartburn, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome or disease, and these conditions typically bring discomfort and pain. More serious causes of abdominal swelling include intestinal blockage, fluid in the abdomen, or cancer. Obesity, pregnancy, and local skin infections may also cause abdominal swelling symptoms. In many cases, abdominal swelling can be treated at home with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies. However, the more serious causes of abdominal swelling require evaluation and treatment by a physician.

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    What Does Enlarged Lymph Nodes In The Abdomen Mean

    If the lymph glands of the mesentery react to an infection in the abdomen or the intestine, they will swell and become painful, causing abdominal discomfort. Mesenteric adenitis usually results from a viral or bacterial infection. It may also occur with some kinds of cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease .

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    Why Is My Dogs Stomach Hard But Not Painful

    If your otherwise healthy dog is suddenly sporting a hard and bloated stomach, this could be a sign of a developing health complication.

    Dogs can experience harmless bloating due to dietary related struggles, but there are other complicated causes on the table as well.

    To help you get to the bottom of your dogs hard stomach, lets discuss a few of the most common causes of pain-free bloating below.

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    It Could Be An Early Warning Sign Of A Serious Condition

    Its rare compared to other reasons on this list, but bloating may signify another issue that has nothing to do with your lifestyle choices. Constant bloating that doesnt go away after your period, or new instances of bloating that are irregular, could be an early sign of ovarian cancer or colon cancer. Bloating could also signal a number of other serious gastrointestinal problems, such as a bowel blockage, ulcer or conditions like Crohns disease.

    Pay attention to other symptoms that accompany your bloating, Dr. Christmas says. If you also have constipation, diarrhea, bloody stool, vomiting with blood, pelvic or abdominal pain, and abnormal uterine bleeding or vaginal discharge, changes in appetite, or start feeling full quickly, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

    Any time you have any concern thats bothering you, especially if its something new, you need to be evaluated, she says.

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    Swollen Colon Left Side

    Why is my stomach bloated?

    The left side of the colon in the left half of the transverse colon that continues from the right upper quadrant to the upper quadrant. It bends at the splenic flexure to become the descending colon and then runs downwards to the left lower quadrant. It then proceeds as the sigmoid colon and connects with the rectum.

    • Infection- viruses, bacteria, and parasites are a common cause of swollen colon. Infections can lead to chronic diarrhea, which can cause massive dehydration.
    • Blood flow problems- since the proper supply of blood is required by the entire intestinal tract for proper functioning, as well as keeping tissues alive and healthy. Problems in the flow can lead to swelling of your colon. This condition is commonly known as ischemic colic, whereby the arteries of the colon become narrowed or compromised. Some other conditions that can cause this include volvulus and incarcerated hernia.
    • Presence of chemical substances
    • Collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis

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    Signs And Symptoms Of A Bloated Stomach

    The main sign of a distended abdomen is a feeling of tightness or fullness in your belly that may or may not be accompanied by visible swelling.

    However, other symptoms associated with stomach bloating may include:

    • Belching
    • Abdominal adhesions from past surgeries in your abdominal or pelvic area, such as a hysterectomy

    Constipation

    Constipation can refer to several different issues:

    • The infrequent passage of stool
    • Passing hard stools that may resemble rocks or pebbles
    • Straining to start or pass stools
    • The feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement

    Any of these symptoms associated with constipation can lead to abdominal bloating, because the longer your stool waits to be passed, the more time bacteria in your colon has to ferment it. This process leads to gassiness, and in turn, bloating.

    Premenstrual syndrome

    Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of PMS. If you’re feeling bloated in the days before your period is supposed to start, PMS is likely the culprit. It’s caused by natural changes in female hormones during your cycle. One of these hormones, estrogen, can increase water retention, or the amount of fluid your body holds.

    There are four subsets of PMS:

    • PMS-A

    Common Causes Of A Hard And Swollen Stomach

    Do you not feel that sometimes your stomach looks bigger than the usual days? And it is not because you are overweight but for some other reason. We might have an answer for you, it is in the causes of a hard and swollen stomach. We have too many, which include our eating and also our lifestyle.

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    What Causes Water Retention In The Stomach

    Water retention does not occur in the stomach itself, which is a sac high up just under your ribs, where food collects and is mixed with acid to begin digestion. However water retention can occur lower down, in the abdomen or belly, where it is sometimes described as bloating. Mild bloating is very common and usually due to digestive problems or premenstrual syndrome. Severe bloating may be due to water retention or to inflammation in your digestive system. Occasionally it can be caused by liver disease, heart disease, or severe protein deficiency.

    What Are The Symptoms Of Ascites

    What causes swelling in the abdomen? | How do you reduce abdominal swelling? | Apollo Hospitals

    The fluid causes swelling that can make the tummy feel tight and very uncomfortable. It often develops over a few weeks but might happen over a few days.

    The fluid causes pressure on other organs in the abdominal area and may lead to:

    • clothes feeling tighter or needing a bigger belt size
    • bloating

    Fluid can build up when:

    • cancer cells irritate the lining of the abdomen and make it produce too much fluid
    • lymph glands in the abdomen get blocked and cant drain fluid properly
    • cancer has spread to the liver and raises the pressure in nearby blood vessels, which forces fluid out
    • the liver cant make enough blood proteins so fluid leaks out of veins into the abdominal cavity

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