In this guide
6 min readSymptom Guide
Abdominal swelling is not always gas. It may be due to constipation, obesity, fluid in the abdomen, liver disease, kidney issues or other medical conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Weight gain or fat
- Ascites due to liver disease
- Abdominal mass or other causes
Possible causes
The cause depends on duration, pain, weight change and associated symptoms.
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Weight gain or fat
- Ascites due to liver disease
- Abdominal mass or other causes
Signs of ascites
Increasing abdominal size with leg swelling, jaundice, low platelets, alcohol history or known cirrhosis suggests fluid-related swelling.
Tests that may be advised
Ultrasound, liver tests, CBC, kidney tests and sometimes ascitic fluid testing may be required.
When urgent
Fever, severe pain, vomiting blood, black stool, breathlessness, confusion or reduced urine need urgent medical advice.