Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Why Is My Stomach Swelling

How Do You Debloat Your Stomach

Stomach Bloating Causes – Why?

From the best foods to eat to reduce gas to new activities to try, these ideas will get your digestion back on track as quickly as possible. Eat potassium-rich foods. And asparagus. Go for a walk. Try dandelion root tea. Take an Epsom salt bath. Get out your foam roller. Consider taking a magnesium pill.

Is The Swelling Painful

On a final note, it is important to check whether or not the swelling is accompanied by pain. After all, bloating is almost always a painful experience to some degree or another, whereas excess fat is not known to cause any physical discomfort. The presence of excess gas is also a symptom of bloating, particularly if it coincides with the expansion of your stomach.

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. 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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Get Relief From Bloating

The most obvious way to reduce bloating is to avoid any foods that are your gassy triggers. Some foods that are high in certain carbs such as garlic, onions and other vegetables arent easy for the body to absorb and can bring on bloating. A low FODMAP diet is often recommended for anyone with irritable bowel syndrome because those foods dont cause as much gas. Foods in a low FODMAP diet include:

  • Spinach
  • Fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe, oranges and grapes
  • Grains such as quinoa and rice
  • Lactose-free dairy products

When you eat, consume smaller meals and allow your body time to digest. Drink plenty of water to help your digestive system run smoothly. If high fiber foods make you bloated or constipated, staying hydrated can help soften bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

Activity also can calm that bloated feeling. Although exercise may not sound appealing when you feel bloated, mild physical activity can stimulate the digestive system. Gentle yoga movements that relax the abdomen can help relieve belly swelling, too.

To combat occasional gassiness, try over-the-counter antacids.

If these DIY remedies dont help, talk with your doctor. Although rare, chronic pain and lethargy could be symptoms of inflammation or other conditions.

Are You A Fast Eater

This Is Why You Have Bloated Stomach And How To Get Rid Of ...

If Yes, then you are in trouble. When you eat fast, the digestion process is a little interrupted. It can take 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain youre full, so you can eat enough to make yourself bloated and uncomfortable before your brain gets the message. So if you are finding causes of a hard and swollen stomach.

We have given 7 very common causes of a hard and swollen stomach, I hope that you will now be extra careful. Also, in case you need to see a doctor or order medicine online, you can always visit our website.

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Eat The Right Amount Of Fibre

Sometimes a low fibre diet is prescribed to people who suffer with bloating because of bowel problems.

Foods like lentils, beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn, wheat, potatoes, artificial sweeteners or too much fibre can cause bloating, says Mr Chophada. Keeping a food diary to see if any specific foods trigger your symptoms and trying an elimination diet can help.

Your gut bugs have a bit of a party when you feed them fibre, which can shake things up while your gut adjusts. So you might find yourself a little bloated or windy, adds The Gut Stuff team. Try to increase your fibre intake by 5g per day per week over a few weeks to reduce the risk of bloating, advises the team.

If you love bread, here are some breads that may not make you bloat.

Iv What’s The Evidence

Lasser, RB, Bond, JH, Levitt, MD. The role of intestinal gas in functional abdominal pain. N Engl J Med. vol. 293. 1975. pp. 524-526.

Runyon, BA. Management of adult patients with ascites caused by cirrhosis. Hepatology. vol. 27. 1998. pp. 264-272.

Eisen, GM, Baron, TH, Dominitz, JA. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Gastrointest Endosc. vol. 56. 2002. pp. 789-792.

No sponsor or advertiser has participated in, approved or paid for the content provided by Decision Support in Medicine LLC. The Licensed Content is the property of and copyrighted by DSM.

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Historical Information Important In The Diagnosis Of This Problem

More specifically, to help determine the cause of a patients abdominal swelling, the following systematic approach to asking pertinent questions can be used.

In a patient who may have ascites as the cause of his/her abdominal swelling it is important to focus on:

Hepatic disease
  • Do you have a history of liver disease or cirrhosis? Is there a history of liver disease in your family?

  • Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much do you drink, and for how long have you been drinking?

  • Do you have a history of hepatitis C or B?

  • Do you have a history of an iron storage disease affecting the liver?

Congestive heart failure
  • Do you have a history of congestive heart failure or heart disease?

  • Do you get short of breath when lying flat? Do you wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air?

  • How many pillows do you sleep on?

Portal vein thrombosis
  • Do you have a history of blood clots, or a clotting disorder?

Renal failure
  • Do you have a history of pancreatitis? Do you drink alcohol? How much?

  • Do you have a history of cancer? If yes, where? Has it spread?

  • Have you ever been diagnosed with tuberculosis, or have you recently travelled to a country endemic for tuberculosis ?

Malignancy
  • Do you have a history of cancer? If yes, where? Has it spread?

  • Are you losing weight? If so, how much and over what time period? Have you lost your appetite?

Medications
Endocrine disorders
Neuropathy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Pregnancy
  • Are you pregnant?

  • Do you use a regular form of contraception?

What Is A Bloated Stomach

“Why is my stomach so bloated?” (Common causes of bloating)

A bloated stomach is first and foremost a feeling of tightness, pressure or fullness in your belly. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly distended abdomen. The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but for some people, its a recurring problem. Digestive issues and hormone fluctuations can cause cyclical bloating. If your bloated stomach doesnt go away, you should seek medical care to determine the cause.

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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.

Why Is My Stomach Swollen And Hard

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Is Bloating A Sign Of Something More Serious

Watch Out for Other Symptoms

Simple bloating is usually not a cause for concern, but it may be a warning sign of a more serious health condition in some cases. If you experience other symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, or blood in the stool, see your doctor to rule out potentially more serious conditions. The doctor may order a stool sample or take images of your small intestine to assess for digestive problems and other conditions. Tests are available to check for lactose intolerance, celiac disease, ovarian cancer, liver disease, and other health problems.

How Is Bloating Diagnosed

Why is My Stomach Bloated? â Entirely Health

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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Causes Of Serious Bloating You Need To Know About And What To Do About Them

1. Ovarian cancer isnt the most likely, but it is one of the most lethal. Although ovarian cancer is only the fifth most common cancer in women, it causes more deaths than any other reproductive cancer mostly in women over 50. Risk factors include never having children or having them late in life, obesity, a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic abnormalities, and long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy. Persistent bloating, feeling full faster, and pelvic pain are typical symptoms.

What to do if youre concerned about ovarian cancer:

A thorough pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound is the best way to diagnose ovarian cancer. The blood test CA-125 isnt a reliable screening test, but it can be helpful for following the course of treatment after diagnosis.

2. Uterine cancer. In addition to bloating, uterine cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse or urination. But its important to know that sometimes bloating or a change in bowel habits may be the only initial signs of uterine cancer. Important risk factors include taking tamoxifen taking estrogen supplements that dont also contain progesterone radiation therapy a family history of uterine cancer or a family history of a form of inherited colon cancer called Lynch syndrome.

What to do if youre concerned about uterine cancer:

What to do if youre concerned about colon cancer:

See More

When To See A Healthcare Provider

As noted earlier, the symptom of abdominal bloating is most commonly caused by conditions that are more of a nuisance than life-threatening. That said, it is often the first symptom of ovarian cancer which is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women and often diagnosed when it is “too late,” at least to be curable.

Whether your symptoms are due to a “serious” cause or not, it is important to see your healthcare provider. 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 healthcare provider or seek out a second opinion. In our overworked, over-busy society, it’s important to be your own advocate in your medical care, no matter what your symptoms or the condition that is responsible.

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Eating More Calories Than Usual

Lets face it. When youre off your schedule, sometimes the most interesting thing you can do is bake. But consuming excess calories especially those found in cookies, cakes and bread can pack on the pounds and cause your belly to bloat.

If cooking is your jam while sheltering in place, reserve high-calorie recipes for special occasions, or cut it back to one meal a week.

Quick Answer: Why Does My Stomach Swell After Eating

Why is My Stomach so Bloated in Early Pregnancy?
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Bloating is when your belly feels swollen after eating . It is usually caused by excess gas production or disturbances in the movement of the muscles of the digestive system . Bloating can often cause pain, discomfort and a stuffed feeling. It can also make your stomach look bigger .

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Constipation Can Cause A Hard Feel Of The Stomach

Constipation can also be a cause of bloating. If youre bothered by a rock-solid stomach with abdominal pain that worsens through the day and its relieved by pooping constipation is the likely cause. With constipation, normal intestinal gas gets trapped behind the slow-moving poop and builds up.

How Is Bloating Treated

Bloating will usually go away by itself if you adjust your diet for a while. Cut down on salty foods, carbohydrates and fizzy drinks. For some people, it can help to avoid foods that contain onion or garlic, wheat, rye, lactose products or stone fruit.

Bloating caused by constipation can be treated by eating more high-fibre foods, increasing the amount of water that you drink, and exercising regularly. Some people may need laxatives to treat constipation.

If you have a medical condition such as coeliac disease, you will need to follow a strict diet to prevent bloating and other symptoms. If you have IBS, following a high-fibre diet and the low FODMAP diet may help. This involves cutting out some dairy products, wheat and other grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Talk to a health professional such as your doctor or a dietitian before starting this diet to make sure it is right for you.

If you have a food intolerance, you may need to try an elimination diet to find out which food or foods are causing your problems. Your doctor or dietitian will advise you.

Some people find that probiotics containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can help with bloating by reducing the production of gas in the gut.

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Does Lemon Water Help With Bloating

As a bonus, lemon juice helps to loosen the toxins floating around in your GI tract, relieve the painful symptoms that accompany indigestion, and even reduce the risk of burping and bloating resulting from excess gas production in your gut. Lemon water can keep your digestive system purring like a kitty all day long.

Odema In Certain Parts Of The Body Is Indicative Of Congestive Heart Failure

10 Reasons Why You Feel Bloated and How to Fix It

Written by Agencies | Published : December 20, 2017 2:22 PM IST

Heart failure is the term used for the condition describing the inability of the heart to keep up with the demands on it, specifically the failure of the heart to pump blood with normal efficiency. When this occurs, the heart is unable to provide adequate blood flow to other organs such as the brain, liver and kidneys. Heart failure may be due to failure of the right or left or both ventricles. When the blood flowing out of the heart is slower in comparison to the blood being brought in through the veins, the blood starts backing up causing congestion in the tissues and organs of the body. Due to this, different parts of the body such as the liver, abdomen, legs may develop swelling or edema. Heart failures that cause this congestion are known as congestive heart failure. Reduce or blockage in regular ventricular function is characteristic of congestive heart failure.

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Journal Your Way To Finding The Culprit

If you get bloated often, say, more than once a month, its worthwhile to figure out what triggers your symptoms. Try keeping a food journal for a few days and write down everything you eat and drink. Be sure you include the ingredients in your meals in case one of those is the actual problem.

As you make that journal entry, note how you feel 30 minutes after you eat. Terrific? Overly full? Tired? Gassy? You may see some patterns that help you figure out if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

When To Visit A Doctor

  • You probably don’t need to see a doctor if you have occasional bloating or gas. But it can be very serious and even life-threatening with certain conditions that cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. That is why it is so important to consult with your doctor if:
    • Over-the-counter remedies or changes in eating habits don’t help.
    • Has unexplained weight loss
    • Have chronic or frequent constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting
    • Have persistent bloating, gas, or heartburn
    • Your stools contain blood or mucus
    • There have been major changes in your bowel movements
    • Your symptoms make it difficult for you to function
  • Seek immediate medical attention if:
    • Abdominal pain is severe
    • You have chest pain
    • You have a high fever
  • Your doctor will probably start with a complete medical history and physical exam. Be sure to mention all of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
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    Treating The Incision Site

  • 1Follow your post-op care instructions. After surgery, a nurse or doctor will tell you how to take care of yourself at home. This information will include how to care for your abdominal incision. Follow this expert advice perfectly to protect your incision and prevent an infection.XResearch source
  • Be sure to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions after surgery, including wearing your compression garments properly and for the recommended amount of time.XExpert SourceBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon & Reconstructive SurgeonExpert Interview. 29 July 2020.
  • To insure that you remember these instructions, ask the doctor or nurse if you can get written notes, or have a loved one listen to the instructions with you.
  • 2Keep your incision site clean and dry between cleanings. Wash your incision site each day with mild soap and water. Pat the area dry gently with a clean towel. Prevent lingering moisture around this area, which can cause infection and swelling.XResearch source
  • Wait until at least 24 hours after your surgery to clean the site or shower.
  • Clean and care for the incision site for as long as your doctor recommends. This time will vary depending on the type of abdominal surgery.
  • Avoid applying ice directly to your skin, which could irritate or damage it.
  • If you apply lotion to the surrounding area on your abdomen, use a fragrance-free kind and make sure it does not touch the incision.
  • Compression garments are available online or in medical supply stores.
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