Bulging flanks

In medicine, bulging flanks are a sign of ascites. If the sides of the abdomen are seen to bulge outward in an unusual fashion on a patient (most easily observed from the patient's foot end), they are likely to have fluid in the abdomen. This occurs if a significant amount of free fluid is present. The fluid collects around the flanks due to gravity, causing them to bulge somewhat like a water balloon.

Upper GI tract	Nausea/Vomiting Heartburn Dysphagia (Oropharyngeal, Esophageal) Halitosis Xerostomia Hypersalivation

Lower GI tract	Flatus: Flatulence Abdominal distension Bloating Burping Wet burp Tympanites Stool: Fecal incontinence Encopresis Blood: Fecal occult blood Rectal tenesmus Constipation Obstructed defecation Diarrhea Rectal discharge Football sign Psoas sign Obturator sign Rovsing's sign

Accessory

Hepatosplenomegaly/Hepatomegaly

Jaundice

Abdominopelvic

Ascites

Abdominal – general

Abdominal pain

Splenomegaly

Index of digestion

Description	Anatomy tract glands other Physiology enzymes Development

Disease	Congenital Neoplasms and cancer Inflammatory bowel disease Gluten sensitivity Other Symptoms and signs eponymous Blood tests

Treatment	Procedures Drugs anabolic steroids antacids diarrhoea and infection bile and liver functional gastrointestinal disorders laxatives peptic ulcer and reflux nausea and vomiting other Surgery

Bulging flanks

See also