Why do bellies swell

Alternatively, people can try taking lactase pills or capsules before eating a meal that contains lactose. The enzyme lactase helps the body digest this sugar. Cirrhosis is a condition in which functioning liver cells become replaced with nonfunctioning scar tissue. Liver scarring can cause increased blood pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the liver.

This, in turn, can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. The causes of liver disease range from underlying medical conditions to the long-term overconsumption of alcohol.

The treatment approach for cirrhosis depends on its underlying cause. In most cases, it is not possible to cure cirrhosis.

However, the following lifestyle changes can help a person manage their symptoms while preventing the disease from progressing:. People can reduce stomach swelling by cutting salt out of their diet. They can also take a diuretic to help fluid drain from the body. In people with autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells in the body.

Autoimmune atrophic gastritis AAG is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys parietal cells in the stomach. These cells make stomach acid, which the body requires to absorb vitamin B In AAG, the gradual loss of parietal cells can lead to iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Scientists also believe that the condition might have a genetic factor, as it seems to be heritable. The treatment for AAG involves addressing any nutrient deficiencies.

People with iron deficiency may require intravenous iron infusions, while those with vitamin B12 deficiency may require vitamin B12 injections. This impairment causes blood to build up in the chest.

The fluid may then seep down into the abdomen, causing stomach swelling. Congestive heart failure generally develops as a result of other conditions, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders , these reasons include:.

If a person experiences severe or persistent stomach swelling, their doctor may run one or more of the following tests to identify the cause:. Depending on the cause, this symptom can come on suddenly or gradually. It can be something that has recently appeared or a symptom that comes and goes.

Thankfully, the most common causes are not related to cancer. Some causes may include:. Even though ovarian cancer is certainly not the most common cause of abdominal bloating—and is down on the list—it is an important cause of abdominal bloating. Among people who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it's been found that this bloating is often attributed to something else, such as middle-age spread or winter weight gain. While ovarian cancer isn't the most common cause of abdominal swelling and bloating, these symptoms are one of the more common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

It is also a symptom that is most ignored. The bloating may be so bad that one can't button their pants, or even have to go up a size. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may also include pelvic pain, pain with intercourse , and frequent urination , but it is also considered the silent killer. In the early stages, the only symptom may be a feeling of being full quickly when eating—in other words bloating—so it is important to make sure you get your symptoms evaluated thoroughly.

It's also important to note that sometimes people have two conditions at the same time. For example, someone could have both irritable bowel syndrome and ovarian cancer, so trust your instinct. If your healthcare provider does not seem as concerned as you are, get a second opinion. Ovarian cancer is not a common cancer in women, but it's the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women—most likely due to the fact that the diagnosis is missed until it has progressed to the later stages of the disease.

We will get to the most common causes below, but it's important to first mention some causes of these symptoms that are not ovarian cancer but are quite serious. 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. Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks and drinking out of a straw. Eating slowly can also help prevent you from swallowing air, which leads to gas.

Avoiding dairy products can help relieve abdominal swelling caused by lactose intolerance. In the case of IBS, decreasing your stress levels and raising your fiber intake have been shown to help relieve symptoms.

If you have ascites, bed rest and reducing your sodium intake can help your body get rid of the excess fluid. Diuretics will help your kidneys remove more of the fluid causing the swelling.

In rare cases, an infection can develop in your ascitic fluid. Ascites is typically a side effect of another serious issue in the body, such as cirrhosis. You should talk to your doctor about a plan of care.

In addition to treating the causing ailment, you may need to undergo removal of the fluid. The fluid removal procedure, or paracentesis , varies in duration since it depends on how much fluid needs to be removed. Call your doctor if your abdomen is getting bigger, or if you have other symptoms that accompany the swelling, such as fever or nausea. Seek medical care if you have extreme diarrhea or blood in your stool. You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

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