Your symptoms and signs are usually common with conditions that have to do with the stomach or intestines. Some causes are gas pains, constipation, and possibly indigestion.

Endo belly can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure in your abdomen and your back. The lower abdomen can swell for days, weeks, or just a few hours. Many women who experience endo belly say that they “look pregnant,” even though they’re not. Endo belly is just one symptom of endometriosis.

Abdominal distension occurs when substances, such as air (gas) or fluid, accumulate in the abdomen causing its expansion. It is typically a symptom of an underlying disease or dysfunction in the body, rather than an illness in its own right. People suffering from this condition often describe it as “feeling bloated”.

Techniques: Liver & Ascites

1. Inspection. Look for gross asymmetries across the abdomen.
2. Auscultation. Follow the inspection of the liver, as with the rest of the abdominal exam, with auscultation.
3. Percussion.
4. Palpation.
5. Scratch Test.
6. Bulging Flanks.
7. Flank Dullness.
8. Shifting Dullness.

Ascites (ay-SITE-eez) is when too much fluid builds up in your abdomen (belly). This condition often happens in people who have cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. A sheet of tissue called the peritoneum covers the abdominal organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver and kidneys. The peritoneum has two layers.

Ascites Diagnosis They may perform a variety of tests, including blood work, an ultrasound, or a CT scan. If they think you have ascites, the doctor will use a needle to remove fluid from your belly for testing.

Both ascites and beer belly result in a large, protruding hard belly that can resemble that of a pregnant woman’s belly. Ascites often results in a rapid weight gain in contrast to a more gradual gain with beer belly development.

If ascites are left untreated, peritonitis, blood sepsis, kidney failure could occur. The fluid could migrate into your lung cavities. Treatment is necessary to prevent these bad outcomes.

Ascites can cause liver disease and cirrhosis, and death.

Ascites may go away with a low salt diet, and with diuretics (water pills) ordered by your provider. But sometimes a provider must drain the fluid from the belly using a special needle. View our Ascites Patient Fact Sheet for more information.

Symptoms of ascites can come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. Because the symptoms are the same as numerous other conditions and diseases, you should talk with your doctor about all your symptoms. The symptoms could be due to a passing illness but can indicate serious health issues that need medical attention.

Eat low-salt foods, and don’t add salt to your food. If you eat a lot of salt, it’s harder to get rid of the extra fluid. Salt is in many prepared foods. These include bacon, canned foods, snack foods, sauces, and soups.

Abdomen Fluid Removal (Paracentesis) The abdomen naturally contains peritoneal fluid; however, when an increased amount of fluid builds up and collects in the abdomen (ascites), it needs to be removed. The process of removing the fluid is called paracentesis, and it is performed with a long, thin needle.

In many cases, a seroma will have the appearance of a swollen lump, like a large cyst. It may also be tender or sore when touched. A clear discharge from the surgical incision is common when a seroma is present. You may have an infection if the discharge becomes bloody, changes color, or develops an odor.

Here are 6 ways to reduce water retention.

1. Eat Less Salt. Salt is made of sodium and chloride.
2. Increase Your Magnesium Intake. Magnesium is a very important mineral.
3. Increase Vitamin B6 Intake. Vitamin B6 is a group of several related vitamins.
4. Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods.
5. Try Taking Dandelion.
6. Avoid Refined Carbs.