What Cause Weight Gain With Bloating While On Allergy Pills?

Posted on Sun, 29 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am 38, female. History: no major health problems, used to be heavy drinker, quit two years ago. Annual check-up beginning of this year all was fine. On no medication other than allergy pills and woman's vitamins In past six months on & off diarrhea, bloating, weight gain (visible belly bulge) with no change in diet or activity. Present: Last seven days significant increase in bloating, feeling of fullness, constant diarrhea, belly grew from visible bulge to heavily pregnant appearance. What is going on? Thought I should add, the first picture was taken 3 months ago, showing what I mean with visible belly bulge. The second one I took today, same clothing, to show the significant growth of my belly.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Welcome to XXXXXXX Detailed Answer: Hello, Such a rapid increase in belly size makes me think of two possibilities.First and more likely is ascitis particularly in view of history of heavy drinking in past. Second possibility is some mass lesion in the abdomen. Ascitis that is free fluid in abdomen in persons with heavy drinking is common and represent early liver failure. Ideal step to know the cause would be to get an ultrasound done. Even on clinical examination doctor can make out if there is fluid inside. So consider seeing doctor and getting ultrasound done. Hope this answers your question.Please ask if there are doubts. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (16 minutes later)

Thank your for your answer. This sounds very disheartening and you seem to be more leaning towards ascites because of my history? Do my other symptoms (bloating, fullness, diarrhea) support the suspicion of liver failure/ascites? How would a doctor determine that there's fluid without ultrasound? If it is early liver failure is it reversible?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Hello Detailed Answer: I have taken in consideration other symptoms while considering possibility of ascitis. Doctor would be able to tell if there fluid without ultrasound.But ultrasound would be needed to have look at your liver as well. Liver has good functional reserve so even if there are these symptoms, you can very well live normal life if good and early management is achieved for this. So do see doctor sooner.Doctor might also want to get liver function tests done. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar