I have a bloated/swollen abdomen.
VEN-tre GON-fyo — 'ventre' = abdomen/belly. 'Gonfio' = swollen/bloated.
Report abdominal bloating or swelling to a doctor. Distinguish between gas/bloating and actual fluid accumulation.
'Ventre gonfio' can mean: bloating ('gonfiore da gas'), distension due to fluid ('ascite'), or constipation. 'Pancia gonfia' is more colloquial. 'Meteorismo' = excessive intestinal gas. 'Ascite' = fluid in the abdomen — a serious sign in liver or heart disease. The doctor will examine to determine the cause.
Ho la pancia gonfia e i gas intestinali.
I have a bloated stomach and intestinal gas.
Gas bloating — very common, often diet-related or IBS
La pancia si è gonfiata molto in poco tempo.
My abdomen has swelled a lot in a short time.
Rapid new abdominal swelling — could indicate ascites, obstruction, or tumour
Il gonfiore è peggio dopo mangiato.
The bloating is worse after eating.
Post-prandial bloating — common with food intolerances, IBS, or coeliac disease
Ascites ('ascite') — fluid accumulation in the abdomen — is most commonly caused by liver cirrhosis ('cirrosi epatica') in Italy. Italy has high rates of hepatitis C ('epatite C') — affecting an estimated 1.5 million Italians, many undiagnosed. The Italian Association for the Study of the Liver ('AISF') runs hepatitis C awareness and treatment campaigns. Direct-acting antivirals ('DAA') now cure hepatitis C in over 95% of cases and are available on the Italian SSN.