The evaluation of abdominal swelling begins with a history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam in women.

Physical findings in someone with abdominal swelling may include:

• Fever
• Abdominal swelling
• Decreased bowel sounds
• Abdominal tenderness
• Tenderness in the right upper abdomen
• Tenderness in the left upper abdomen
• Tenderness in the right lower abdomen
• Tenderness in the left lower abdomen

Tests that may be used to evaluate abdominal swelling include:

• Serum amylase
• Serum lipase
• Serum bilirubin
• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Urinalysis
• Blood cultures
• Urine cultures
• EKG

Imaging studies that may be used to evaluate abdominal swelling include:

• Abdominal x-rays
• Chest x-ray:
• Normal chest x-rays
• Intestinal perforation
• CT scan of the abdomen
• MRI scan of the abdomen
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Intravenous pyelogram
• Cystourethrogram
• Barium swallow
• Barium enema