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Swollen BellyIs Your Belly Swollen?
Well to begin with, let us define swollen belly. Well, a swollen belly is marked by increased abdominal girth. It can be called swollen abdomen, swelling in the abdomen, abdominal distention or distended abdomen. Swollen belly is a common condition that usually results from over-eating, rather than from a serious illness. Simple weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can also cause swelling. Often, it is
caused by intestinal gas. This may result from eating fibrous foods like fruits and vegetables. Legumes like beans are common sources of this intestinal gas. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest dairy foods, and for such people even dairy products may cause distention.
What can cause the belly to swell?
The most common cause of stomach swell is overeating, lactose intolerance being the second most common cause. Air swallowing (a nervous habit), irritable bowel syndrome and partial bowel obstruction are some other causes. An important think to keep in mind is that abdominal distention may also result from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can be a sign of serious medical problems.
Home Care for a Swollen Belly -
1. Distention resulting from a heavy meal goes away when the food is digested. Eating in moderation will help prevent this swelling.
2. For distention caused by swallowing air, awareness can lead to self-control. Eat slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, avoid chewing gum or sucking on candies, avoid drinking through a straw, or even sipping the surface of a hot beverage.
3. For distention caused by mal-absorption, try changing diets and reducing your milk consumption. Consulting your doctor is advised.
4. For irritable bowel syndrome, increase dietary fiber, decrease emotional stress and consult doctor.
5. For distention resulting from other causes, follow doctor prescribed therapy for treating the underlying cause.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Though belly swelling is not a serious problem in most of the cases, in some it might turn ugly. If you are facing a serious problem dealing with belly swelling at home then consulting a doctor is advised. You must see a doctor if your abdominal girth is getting worse and unrelenting, if the swelling is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms or if your abdomen is tender to the touch.
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- Swollen