A swollen abdomen is a condition in which your stomach size gets larger than its normal size. There are a number of reasons behind this abdominal health condition that can affect anyone. However, with proper treatment of abdominal swelling, this condition can easily get rid of.

A swollen abdomen is an uncomfortable condition and also it is painful too. This is a very common incidence and the reason behind this health issue can be very small such as excessive diet intake to severe as a major underlying health issue.

The person who develops a swollen abdomen health issue contains the risk of its recurrence event in the future especially if a healthy lifestyle routine is not followed by the affected person. However one can prevent its risk completely by incorporating healthy lifestyle routines such as consuming gut-friendly foods, avoiding the allergy-causing foods intake and the treatment of health conditions which is found responsible for this health issue.

Causes

Table of Contents

Common Causes

The most common causes of abdominal swelling and bloating especially when it is not a serious reason such as ovarian cancer or anything else then it usually includes-

Lactose Intolerance

People who are affected by lactose intolerance issues since birth or over a period of their lifetime can develop abdominal swelling and bloating problems. In this case, whenever the affected person consumes any dairy foods they started developing the symptoms of abdominal bloating or swelling instantly or after a few hours or a day. The symptoms get recurrent which strongly signify that your body has lactose intolerance issue.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common causes of abdominal swelling issues. IBS develops as a result of functional gastrointestinal disorder and it has affected up to 15% of the total population worldwide. This digestive disorder health issue develops recurrent symptoms of abdominal swelling and bloating along with other signs of this health condition.

Constipation

Constipation is the most common digestive health issue which has affected a very large size of the population worldwide due to unhealthy lifestyle routine followed by people of all ages. 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. However, a persistent constipation problem should not be ignored at any cost as this can develop as a result of certain underlying health issues which only can be evaluated via thorough diagnosis.

Certain Foods Intake

Certain foods intake increases the risk of abdominal swelling and bloating problems. Overeating any food can also cause you this issue. Foods that contain the greater risk of developing abdominal swelling and bloating problems include beans, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, some fruits, and carbonated and alcoholic beverages intake.

Weight Gain

Sudden weight gain can also cause abdominal swelling issues due to increased fat levels in your abdominal area.

Serious Causes

Apart from these common and less serious causes of abdominal swelling this condition can also develop as a result of some serious diseases growth in the body as their symptom.

Ascites

Ascites is a health condition that occurs as a result of fluid builds up in your abdomen. Liver disorder or diseases such as Cirrhosis etc are the reason behind this fluid buildup. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that develops when your liver gets extremely scarred.

Initially, you will not notice any symptoms of Ascites as the fluid concentration occurs over time. So you will slowly notice that your stomach is getting swollen gradually. This condition can cause excessive discomfort.

Abdominal Tumors

An abdominal tumor including benign and malignant may cause the affected person abdominal discomforts such as swelling, bloating and pain as well. This type of tumor can occur in lymphomas also apart from abdominal organs.

Celiac Disease

In this particular disease, the consumption of gluten damages the small intestine and develops symptoms like abdominal swelling and bloating, etc. 1 out of 100 people are diagnosed with celiac disease.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is one of the vital causes of abdominal bloating or swelling issues. However, this type of cancer is very common in other countries of the world excluding the United States.

Ovarian Cancer

Though ovarian cancer is not among the most common causes of abdominal bloating and swelling but still it is an important reason. Women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer often develops abdominal bloating issue which is often correlated with other conditions like winter weight gain, middle-age weight gain, etc.

Pancreatic Cancer

Though the symptoms of pancreatic cancer donâ€™t come in to picture until it reaches the advanced stage however when it appears it often includes abdominal bloating and pain as well.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In the initial stages of this type of cancer abdominal bloating or swelling is noticed as the symptoms of this disease. These symptoms risk increases when as a result of colon cancer bowel obstruction happens.

Apart from these diseases some other chronic diseases which can develop the symptoms of abdominal swelling includes Dumping syndrome, Pancreatic insufficiency, Intestinal infections, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, swallowing air, Hernias (including both internal and external abdominal hernias), Peptic ulcer disease, Small bowel bacterial overgrowth, etc.

Signs of Abdominal Swelling & Bloating

Some people consider abdominal swelling and bloating more than just as a symptom. One the basis of its signs it is defined in different ways. The signs of this health condition depend on its underlying reason and on the basis of that it may appear suddenly or gradually over a period of time. Also, its symptoms may come and go. However, in general, it develops with the following symptoms-

Tight abdomen
Feeling of indigestion
Distended stomach
Daily clothes get too tight suddenly especially in the abdominal area
Persistent feeling of discomfort in the stomach

Treatment

/>alt=”treatment of abdominal swelling” width=”650″ height=”341″ />The following treatment options are available for curing the abdominal swelling health issue.

Home Treatments

The swollen abdomenâ€™s home treatment option focuses on treating its underlying cause. For example, if your abdominal swelling is caused by excessive meal intake then you can wait for the natural digestion of your food which can even take one whole day time depending upon how excess than your regular portion size you have eaten. For instant comfort, you can have some easy natural digestive drinks like lemon water, etc. For preventing this issue in the future you can eat smaller meals at a time. Also, chew slowly so that your stomach has enough time to digest it.

The lactose intolerance induced abdominal swelling issue can be relieved by avoiding the consumption of dairy products. In these people, the scarcity of certain enzymes is found in their body which helps in digesting dairy food products. So avoiding the intake of these triggering foods is the only relieving option for these people.

If gas is the reason behind your swollen abdomen health issue then for relieving this issue you should stop consuming those foods which are likely to cause a gastric problem in the stomach. Foods that are especially known for increasing gastric issues include beans, cabbage, broccoli, etc. Consuming any drink with a straw especially carbonated drinks can also fill your stomach with extra air and swollen abdomen thereon. This type of abdominal swelling problem can be prevented by eating more slowly as it eliminates air swallowing that leads to gas.

People who develop abdominal swelling issues due to IBS health concern, reducing the stress level and increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods help in relieving their symptoms. In the case of Ascites disease-induced abdominal swelling problem reduction in sodium intake and adequate bed rest help in getting rid of excess fluid in the abdomen that causes abdominal swelling and bloating problems.

Medical Treatment

If home treatment procedures like resting and reducing the sodium intake donâ€™t relieve the symptoms of abdominal swelling, in that case, you should consult with a doctor. In such cases generally, doctors prescribe for diuretic drugs. These medications help in removing excess fluid from the body through urine by speeding up the kidneyâ€™s function. Infection-Induced ascitic fluid retention in the abdomen (a rare condition) needs long term treatment procedure. In such cases, antibiotics are prescribed to the patients which help in getting rid of the abdominal swelling problem over time.

The swollen abdomen issue caused by Ascites is usually the side effect of other serious health conditions such as Cirrhosis. In these cases, treatment of the underlying issue which needs proper care and a planned course of action can only help in coping with this condition and to relieve its associated symptoms like abdominal swelling and bloating.

Along with the treatment of responsible diseases, the abdominal swelling issue is also cured by removing the excess fluid. This procedure is also known as Paracentesis which varies in duration depending upon how much fluid is required to be removed.

There is no particular treatment method available for the abdominal swelling caused by IBS and lactose intolerance. In these cases, precaution measures can only relieve their future recurrence risk.

Natural Remedies to Treat Gas and Bloating

Drink Lemon Water

You can improve your digestive health naturally by drinking lots of water every day. However, in order to get maximum benefit, you can mix freshly squeezed lemon juice into a plain glass of water. This lemon water helps in flushing out toxins and excess fluid from your body through urine as well as via bowel movements.

Another benefit of the lemon drink is that the citric acid content that provides puckery taste in your mouth helps in preventing kidney stones growth risk in the future. As lemon is soluble fiber so it helps in getting rid of the constipation problem thus relieves from its associated issues like gas and bloating. Also, you can stay hydrated with this easily made drink at home which is the most vital thing for overall good health and fitness.

Drink Ginger Tea or Eat It Raw

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 (tea), 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.

Reduce Your Coffee Intake

Excessive intake of coffee in a day when it gets a daily life routine can play a major role in causing gas and abdominal bloating related digestive health issues. This is because coffee is a natural dehydrating agent which stimulates acid production in your body and irritates your gastrointestinal tract. All these negative impacts on digestive health play a crucial role in developing the bloating and swelling problem in the abdomen.

People who are suspected of coffee-related bloating problems should reduce their daily intake limits. Drink only one cup of coffee in a day or if possible skip it on every interval day to avoid the bloating problem in the future.

Eat a Banana

Eat a banana every day as it promotes easy and smoother bowel movement which is the most common reason behind gas and bloating issues if it is infrequent. Banana is a prominent source of fiber which aids in digestive function if consumed every day. Also, it is a rich source of potassium which helps in easing with fluid retention problems in the body and thus relieves from the abdominal bloating problems.

As per a study report bananas are a good source of resistant starch which gets harder in your system for a short duration. It stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system and helps in making a good gut environment in the long run.

Practice Yoga

Incorporate yoga practices as a fixed part of your daily lifestyle. Yoga poses especially focuses on boosting different organs’ functionality. There are different yoga poses that help in improving your digestive function can also help you in getting rid of abdominal swelling and gas related problems.

Yoga poses which especially puts pressure on the abdominal area of your body can help in getting rid of bloating and pain-related issues caused by the swollen abdomen.

Apanasana is a popular yoga form in which you need to lie down on your back and take your knees towards your chest. Take a supine twist by keeping the knees to one side and putting your head in the opposite direction. This yoga move is quite effective in stimulating blood supply towards the lower half of the body.

Whether you practice this yoga pose or any other yoga that is known for stimulating digestive health make sure that you hold that posture for a few minutes in order to get maximum possible benefits out of it.

Abdominal swelling and bloating is usually not a major health concern itself but if it is persistent then it signifies for the existence of some underlying health issue which can even be devastating. However with care and with some changes in lifestyle routine the prevention and treatment of abdominal swelling is possible.

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Abdominal Swelling – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies