Why intestines swell

A swollen abdomen occurs when your stomach area is larger than normal. This is sometimes known as a distended abdomen or swollen belly.

A swollen abdomen is often uncomfortable or even painful. A swollen abdomen has a number of potential causes and is a common occurrence. 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.

Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a disorder that causes cramping and pain in your stomach, among other symptoms.

IBS can also cause bloating and gas, which could cause you to have a distended abdomen. Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when your body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal bloating and gas. These symptoms can cause your abdomen to swell. If you experience a swollen abdomen within two hours of ingesting dairy, you might be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is most common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian descent. Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up inside your abdomen. This buildup is usually due to problems with your liver, such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when your liver becomes extremely scarred.

When to Contact a Medical Professional. Call your provider if: The abdominal swelling is getting worse and does not go away.

The swelling occurs with other unexplained symptoms. Your abdomen is tender to the touch. You have a high fever. You have severe diarrhea or bloody stools. You are unable to eat or drink for more than 6 to 8 hours. What to Expect at Your Office Visit. Alternative Names. Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen. If you have inflammatory bowel disease, you are at an increased risk of colon cancer.

Talk to your doctor about when to start screening for colon cancer and how often to have screening. This can cause patients who have these illnesses to become depressed. If you feel depressed, talk with your family doctor. An antidepressant medicine could help you feel better. Ask questions.

Read about IBD. Discuss treatments with your doctor. Patient support groups are helpful, especially if you have severe symptoms. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

You may hear conflicting reports from different sources. The U. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure. Table of Contents. What is inflammatory bowel disease? Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Crohn's disease. Screening for colorectal cancer: U. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Kliegman RM. Inflammatory bowel diseases. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.

Lichtenstein GR, et al. ACG clinical guideline: Management of Crohn's disease in adults. American Journal of Gastroenterology. Abraham B, et al. Antibiotics and probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease: When to use them?

Frontline Gastroenterology. What should I eat? Accessed July 27, Mind-body therapies. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic.