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Abdomen - swollen - Overview

Alternative Names

Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen

Definition of Abdomen - swollen:

A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.

See also: Abdominal girth

Common Causes:

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem can be caused by:

  • Reviewed last on: 10/30/2010
  • Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bengiamin RN, Budhram GR, King KE, Wightman JM. Abdominal pain. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009:chap 21.

Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.

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