What should you know about intra-abdominal hypertension?

The abdomen contains organs, blood vessels and fluid within a limited space. Swelling, bleeding, fluid accumulation, bowel enlargement or tight closure after abdominal surgery can increase pressure. Mild pressure changes may have few obvious symptoms, while more severe pressure can make the abdomen tense and affect breathing, circulation, kidneys or bowel function. Doctors assess the whole clinical picture; they may measure pressure through a bladder catheter when a person is seriously unwell. This is different from ordinary arterial hypertension, which is high pressure in the blood vessels.

Management takes place in hospital and depends on the cause and the effect on organs. The team may treat fluid overload, improve bowel emptying, adjust ventilation or sedation, drain collections, and monitor urine output and circulation. Do not try to press, massage or tightly bind a swollen abdomen. Tell the treating team about increasing abdominal fullness, recent surgery, injury, severe illness, medicines and changes in urine output. Related conditions such as [Heart Failure](/conditions/heart-failure/) or [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/) can affect fluid balance and need to be considered.

Get emergency help for a rapidly swelling or hard abdomen with severe pain, breathlessness, faintness, confusion, repeated vomiting, very little urine, cold clammy skin or sudden weakness. These signs can indicate impaired organ function or another abdominal emergency. A person recently discharged after major illness or surgery should contact the hospital urgently if these changes appear.

What is raising the pressure in my abdomen? Are my kidneys, breathing and circulation being affected? How will pressure be monitored? Which treatments might reduce the pressure, and what changes should prompt immediate help?