Abdominal swelling Health Dictionary

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Abdominal Swelling: From 1 Different Sources

Enlargement of the abdomen. Abdominal swelling is a natural result of obesity and growth of the uterus during pregnancy. Wind in the stomach or intestine may cause uncomfortable, bloating distension of the abdomen. Some women experience abdominal distension due to temporary water retention just before menstruation. Other causes may be more serious.

For instance, ascites (accumulation of fluid between organs) may be a symptom of cancer or disease of the heart, kidneys, or liver; swelling may also be due to intestinal obstruction (see intestine, obstruction of) or an ovarian cyst.

Diagnosis of the underlying cause may involve abdominal X-rays, ultrasound scanning, laparotomy, or laparoscopy. In ascites, some fluid between organs may be drained for examination.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Abdominal Pain

(Acute). Sudden unexplained colicky pain with distension in a healthy person justifies immediate attention by a doctor or suitably trained practitioner. Persistent tenderness, loss of appetite, weight and bowel action should be investigated. Laxatives: not taken for undiagnosed pain. Establish accurate diagnosis.

Treatment. See entries for specific disorders. Teas, powders, tinctures, liquid extracts, or essential oils – see entry of appropriate remedy.

The following are brief indications for action in the absence of a qualified practitioner. Flatulence (gas in the intestine or colon), (Peppermint). Upper right pain due to duodenal ulcer, (Goldenseal). Inflamed pancreas (Dandelion). Gall bladder, (Black root). Liver disorders (Fringe Tree bark). Lower left – diverticulitis, colitis, (Fenugreek seeds). Female organs, (Agnus Castus). Kidney disorders, (Buchu). Bladder, (Parsley Piert). Hiatus hernia (Papaya, Goldenseal). Peptic ulcer, (Irish Moss). Bilious attack (Wild Yam). Gastro-enteritis, (Meadowsweet). Constipation (Senna). Acute appendicitis, pain central, before settling in low right abdomen (Lobelia). Vomiting of blood, (American Cranesbill). Enlargement of abdominal glands is often associated with tonsillitis or glandular disease elsewhere which responds well to Poke root. As a blanket treatment for abdominal pains in general, old-time physicians used Turkey Rhubarb (with, or without Cardamom seed) to prevent griping.

Diet: No food until inflammation disperses. Slippery Elm drinks. ... abdominal pain

Abdominal Thrust

A first-aid treatment for choking, in which sharp upward pressure is applied to the upper abdomen to dislodge a foreign body obstructing the airway. The technique is also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre.... abdominal thrust

Abdominal X-ray

An X-ray examination of the abdominal contents. X-rays can show whether any organ is enlarged and can detect swallowed foreign bodies in the digestive tract. They also show patterns of fluid and gas: distended loops of bowel containing fluid often indicate an obstruction (see intestine, obstruction of); gas outside the intestine indicates intestinal perforation.

Calcium, which is opaque to X-rays, is present in most kidney stones (see calculus, urinary tract) and in some gallstones and aortic aneurysms; these can sometimes be detected on an abdominal X-ray.... abdominal x-ray

Abdominal Dehiscence

see burst abdomen.... abdominal dehiscence

Abdominal Migraine

a condition characterized by intermittent central abdominal pain that may be associated with nausea, and often vomiting. It usually occurs in children between the ages of three and ten years and is more common in those with a family history of migraine headaches. Typically these children develop migraine headaches when they are older.... abdominal migraine

Abdominal Thrusts

(Heimlich manoeuvre) a manoeuvre for the treatment of choking in which the patient is held firmly around the midriff just under the ribcage. The hands of the rescuer are held as a fist and short sharp thrusts into the patient’s upper abdomen are made in order to dislodge the obstructing article from the airway. This manoeuvre should not be performed on children under the age of one year.... abdominal thrusts

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