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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Hard Swollen Area On The Upper Left Abdomen A Concern?

My dad has a hard swollen area on the upper left abdomen near the rib cage. This was not there earlier. No pain but he is very tired and has been in bed all afternoon. No fever . He is 85. Not overweight or with any other significant health problems .
Wed, 10 May 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

I have gone through the medical history of your 85 years old dad and understood your concern.

You are saying that you've just noticed he is having a hard swollen area on his upper left abdomen near his rib case that was not there earlier.

As he is not having any pain and has been in bed all afternoon, it could be distended bowels especially if he is not having regular bowel movements (bm) - constipation.

If he has been constipated, give him plenty of water, fiber rich foods, fiber supplements and gentle laxatives to help ease bm.

If the swelling won't disappear within the next couple of days, then, I recommend to consult with his physician to rule out possible hernia or other pathologies.

Hope this helps.
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Is A Hard Swollen Area On The Upper Left Abdomen A Concern?

Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your 85 years old dad and understood your concern. You are saying that you ve just noticed he is having a hard swollen area on his upper left abdomen near his rib case that was not there earlier. As he is not having any pain and has been in bed all afternoon, it could be distended bowels especially if he is not having regular bowel movements (bm) - constipation. If he has been constipated, give him plenty of water, fiber rich foods, fiber supplements and gentle laxatives to help ease bm. If the swelling won t disappear within the next couple of days, then, I recommend to consult with his physician to rule out possible hernia or other pathologies. Hope this helps.