Abdominal distension: Difference between revisions

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{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}; {{MUT}}
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}; {{MUT}}


=== Laboratory Findings ===
* [[Complete blood count]] ([[CBC]])
* [[Stool culture]]s
* [[Pregnancy test]]
* [[Erythrocyte sedimentation rate]] ([[ESR]])
* Liver workup ([[liver function test]]s, [[biopsy]], [[hepatitis]] panel)
=== MRI and CT ===
* Pelvic and abdominal [[CT scan]]s could reveal:
*:* [[Cirrhosis]]
*:* Ovarian masses
*:* [[Pseudocyst]]s
*:* [[Aneurysm]]s
=== Echocardiography or Ultrasound ===
* Pelvic and abdominal ultrasound may reveal:
*:* Ovarian mass
*:* [[Pregnancy]]
*:* [[Ascites]]
*:* [[Liver disease]]
=== Other Imaging Findings ===
* KUB x-rays ([[kidney]], [[ureter]], [[bladder]])
*:* Could reveal [[paralytic ileus]], [[constipation]], [[air swallowing]], [[bowel obstruction]]
=== Other Diagnostic Studies ===
* [[Biopsy]] for masses/tumors
* [[Endoscopy]] (lower gastrointestinal) may be performed to rule out any organic pathology before [[irritable bowel syndrome]] can be diagnosed.
* [[Paracentesis]] may provide symptomatic relief and is diagnostic for [[spontaneous bacterial peritonitis]] (SBP) and malignant [[ascites]].
== Treatment ==
* For [[malabsorption]], reduce milk intake and change diet
* For [[bowel obstruction]], [[pancreatitis]] (for example), [[nasogastric tube]] decompression and bowel rest (when indicated)
* For swallowing air, awareness is key:
*:* Sip hot beverages
*:* Avoid carbonated beverages
*:* Chew gum/suck on candies
*:* Eat slowly
*:* Drink through a straw
* Treatment of underlying [[liver disease]]s (management of complications)
* Increase dietary fiber, reduce stress, and [[antispasmodic]]s for [[irritable bowel syndrome]]
=== Acute Pharmacotherapies ===
* For [[constipation]], [[laxative]]s
* For [[spontaneous bacterial peritonitis]] (SBP), [[antibiotic]]s
== Surgery and Device Based Therapy ==
* Referral for [[hernia]]s (if and when appropriate)
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==See also==
* [[Gastric distension]]
* [[Bloating]]


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Revision as of 15:23, 22 August 2012