Excessive swelling: what’s the limit?

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Bloating is a condition that should always be considered excessive. While it is common and within the normal range to experience some intestinal bloating from time to time, the pressure and pain associated with the condition are usually indicative of an underlying problem. Gas, constipation, fluid retention, and intestinal blockages are commonly associated with bloating. Therefore, any amount of swelling can be considered excessive swelling.

Almost everyone will experience some sort of excessive swelling from time to time. Bloating can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common being some type of digestive disorder. Gas is one cause of bloating and results from intestinal gas being trapped in the digestive tract. This causes a feeling of fullness, pain, pressure and sometimes distention. You may need medications to help the gas move down your rectum or up and out of your mouth.

Another form of excessive bloating is caused by water retention. This can indicate dehydration, because when insufficient fluids are consumed, the body actually sticks to any water in the system. Dehydration is a serious condition, especially if left uncontrolled. No symptoms other than swelling and a thicker sensation around the center are usually noted with water retention. Treatments typically just include drinking lots of water and exercising.

Constipation and compact stools are also causes of excessive bloating. Remedies include laxatives, drinking lots of water, and exercise. Eating more fiber is also generally recommended.

While any swelling is usually caused by some underlying problem, it is a common occurrence and not usually a cause for alarm. When deciding whether or not someone is suffering from excessive swelling in terms of the frequency of episodes, their medical history is needed. Those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome often experience frequent bouts of intestinal bloating. People without such conditions should experience bloating only very occasionally. Any bloating that occurs more than once a month or two can be indicative of a problem, and more often than that could definitely signal some type of digestive upset.

The diagnosis of excessive swelling is usually based on the patient’s symptoms alone. Frequent feelings of fullness, abdominal pain and cramping, pressure, or bloating are all signs of bloating. If this occurs several times a month, a doctor will likely monitor the patient’s eating habits to ensure that the correct fiber is being consumed and that he or she is eating a well-balanced diet.

In some rare cases, bloating can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Some types of cancer, such as colon or ovarian cancer, can cause excessive swelling as a symptom. Another potential cause is intestinal or small bowel obstruction, both of which would require immediate treatment.

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