Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 123

126 FAMILY ILLNESS

Swollen abdomen

Enlargement of the abdomen is usually due to weight gain or poor muscle tone from lack of exercise. A swollen abdomen may also result from a disorder of either the digestive system or the urinary system. If you have abdominal swelling that has come on rapidly, you should consult your doctor irrespective of any other symptoms you may have.
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Abdominal pain( adults), p. 120, or Abdominal pain( children), p. 124
ACTION
START
How long has your abdomen been swollen?
Less than 24 hours
Do you have abdominal pain?
Severe pain
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may be suffering from excessive gas or constipation, possibly due to irritable bowel syndrome.
Longer than 24 hours
ACTION
Mild pain
No pain
Is the pain relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement?
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES A swollen abdomen may be the the first sign of an unsuspected pregnancy, especially if you have been using contraception or if your menstrual periods tend to be irregular.
• If you think that you might be pregnant, perform a home pregnancy test.
Do any of the following apply?
Your ankles are swollen
You could be pregnant
Relieved
Unrelieved
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Swollen ankles, p. 148
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your abdominal swelling from this chart.
You have difficulty urinating
You urinate only small volumes
None of the above
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS The swelling could be due to an abnormally full bladder caused by a blockage at the bladder outlet.