A swollen abdomen that results from eating a heavy meal will go away when the food is digested. Eating in moderation will help prevent swelling.

For a swollen abdomen caused by swallowing air, awareness often leads to self-control. Eat slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, avoid chewing gum or sucking on candies, avoid drinking through a straw, or sipping the surface of a hot beverage.

For swollen abdomen caused by malabsorption, try changing diets and reducing milk consumption. Consult your doctor.

For irritable bowel syndrome, increase dietary fiber, decrease emotional stress, and consult your doctor.

For swollen abdomen resulting from other causes, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

Call your health care 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

Your health care provider perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, such as:

• Time pattern
  • When did the abdominal swelling begin?
  • Does it occur after meals or after eating specific foods?
• What other symptoms occur at the same time? For example, have you had:
  • Absent menstrual period
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Excessive gas or belching
  • Irritability
  • Vomiting
  • Weight gain

Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Paracentesis
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Stool analysis
• X-rays of the abdomen