Causes of Swollen Abdomen

Before we go into the details of what could be causing your son’s swollen abdomen and distress for the last few months, the symptoms you describe are very worrying. Under normal circumstances, a swollen abdomen for any duration of time is a cause for concern. In addition to this, you mention that your son has been vomiting blood and complains of shortness of breath and chest pain. These are all signs of a serious medical condition and require immediate medical attention.

There are a number of causes for a swollen abdomen. Also known as distension, one of the simplest reasons is overeating. However, in your son’s case this does not apply as the problem has persisted for some time. When one speaks of the abdomen, one is actually referring to several organs in the area. Therefore your son’s symptoms may be caused by a problem with one or more of the organs in the abdomen i.e. the stomach, liver, intestines, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, reproductive system and the circulatory system. Possible causes for a swollen abdomen could therefore include medical condition such as:

•   Swallowing of air
•   Chronic gas
•   Irritable Bowel Syndrome
•   Lactose intolerance
•   Blockage of the bowel
•   Fluid in the abdomen (a serious medical condition)
•   Pancreatitis
•   Liver disease

The reasons are numerous and a proper diagnosis can only be reached with intensive examination and testing by your doctor. Your doctor may order a number of tests to help determine the cause of your son’s symptoms such as an abdominal CT scan, an ultrasound, blood tests, a colonoscopy, stool tests and x-rays of the abdomen to name just a few. This may be distressing and time consuming but such close investigation is necessary in order to prescribe the correct treatment for your son.

To reiterate once again, call your doctor immediately since the swelling has not disappeared. If the swelling has worsened or is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, your son requires emergency medical treatment:

The stomach is tender to the touch
There is a fever or chills and nausea
There is severe diarrhea
There is blood in the stools or vomit
Unable to eat or drink
Chest pain or pressure
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Lethargy
Rapid pulse
Yellow skin or eyes

References:

http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/003122.htm

answered by G R

God forbid but your son shows signs of duodonal or peptic ulcer,that should be taken care of. Secondly if there is breathing problem it may be bronchitis .You may tell him to take 1tsp of honey with 7 black caravay also called onion seeds or kaalonji daily 2 times morning empty stomach and same hour in the evening for 2 months .All the 3 problems can be cured with this.

answered by D M K

My 22 years old son has a swollen abdomen for few months. He vomits blood and complains of chest pain and shortness of breath but refuses to go to a doc what could be wrong with him?