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What Causes Abdominal Swelling With Bloating And Gastric?
Question: I have been experiencing mild abdominal swelling (no pain), with bloating, gas, and a general uncomfortable feeling with a 5 lb weight gain in the last week. The swelling is above my waist and below my breast on the left side. What could be causing this?
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
This could be distention from gas (such as from an irritable bowel, indigestion, malabsorption, or gastrointestinal infection). Usually this sort of distention is throughout the abdomen, not specifically to one side. When it is located in one specific place, then we need to do a physical exam to see what is going on. Several organs are on the left side including the stomach and descending colon (and in the location you mention, part of the transverse colon), and pancreas. A growth on an ovary can give distention too but usually not with gas.
You can try simethicone (Gas X) to help break up the gas but I think, given the weight gain, and that the swelling is asymmetrical, you should go in to be examined by your doctor. He or she can listen, palpate, and percuss your abdomen. This will usually help sort out where the problem is coming from. They may also order an ultrasound.
So, make an appointment and in the meantime try some Gas X. And if you do develop pain, then go in to be seen sooner, such as via an urgent care clinic.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Some thoughts.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
This could be distention from gas (such as from an irritable bowel, indigestion, malabsorption, or gastrointestinal infection). Usually this sort of distention is throughout the abdomen, not specifically to one side. When it is located in one specific place, then we need to do a physical exam to see what is going on. Several organs are on the left side including the stomach and descending colon (and in the location you mention, part of the transverse colon), and pancreas. A growth on an ovary can give distention too but usually not with gas.
You can try simethicone (Gas X) to help break up the gas but I think, given the weight gain, and that the swelling is asymmetrical, you should go in to be examined by your doctor. He or she can listen, palpate, and percuss your abdomen. This will usually help sort out where the problem is coming from. They may also order an ultrasound.
So, make an appointment and in the meantime try some Gas X. And if you do develop pain, then go in to be seen sooner, such as via an urgent care clinic.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I should clarify that I "feel" the distention more on the left than on the right, but when I look in the mirror I am equally bloated/swollen/distended across my abdomen. When I put on a dress today I was surprised that my stomach was "touching" the dress. I don't usually feel myself pulling at my clothing. I had this feeling once before when I had hydro-nephrosis (sp?) when I had my kidney stone. It was a mild case and I had to take antibiotics. But this is a very similar feeling. I feel like my organs are touching... I just had a pap smear on XXXXXXX 9th that came back fine, no growth was noted at the time of the exam. Could I have a growth that would cause a 5 lb weight gain since last Tuesday?
Brief Answer:
Please go in to be seen today or early tomorrow.
Detailed Answer:
With your history of kidney stones and if you have had hydro nephrosis in the past, I think this is more likely. Especially if you are experiencing similar symptoms. And hydronephrosis could account for weight gain. You should go to see a doctor promptly. In an urgent care clinic, they might be able to see the problem on plain X-ray, although an ultrasound would be better. A growth can cause weight gain, but less likely, in that period of time.
Please go in to be seen today or early tomorrow.
Detailed Answer:
With your history of kidney stones and if you have had hydro nephrosis in the past, I think this is more likely. Especially if you are experiencing similar symptoms. And hydronephrosis could account for weight gain. You should go to see a doctor promptly. In an urgent care clinic, they might be able to see the problem on plain X-ray, although an ultrasound would be better. A growth can cause weight gain, but less likely, in that period of time.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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