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Short answer When a swollen belly needs a doctor Common questions Related questions Sources**Your abdomen can swell from gas, constipation, or large meals, but persistent swelling can have other medical causes.**
Food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and menstrual changes can cause bloating that comes and goes. Pregnancy and weight gain can also make your abdomen larger. Swelling that persists or worsens needs a clinician's evaluation because fluid buildup, a bowel blockage, or a growth can also cause it. For mild bloating after meals, try smaller portions, eat slowly, and limit carbonated drinks.
When a swollen belly needs a doctor
Common questions
What causes Abdomen - swollen?
A swollen abdomen often results from gas, constipation, swallowed air, or a large meal. Food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual changes, pregnancy, and weight gain are other causes. Less commonly, fluid buildup, a bowel blockage, or a growth causes swelling. For mild bloating, eat smaller meals slowly, limit fizzy drinks, and walk regularly. See a clinician if swelling persists, worsens, or comes with unexplained weight loss. Get urgent care if you cannot pass stool or gas. Go to the ER for sudden severe belly pain or vomiting blood.