Why does abdominal distension worsen after taking stomach medication?
Sep 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Abdominal bloating may worsen after taking stomach medication, possibly due to irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa caused by taking the medicine on an empty stomach. It could also result from failing to follow up with a doctor in time—when the condition changes but the previous medication is still being used, making the drug unsuitable for the new pathology. Additionally, it might be due to insufficient understanding of the illness, leading to blind use of stomach medications that fail to treat the condition effectively and instead cause the disease to worsen.
Worsening abdominal distension after taking gastric medication may result from factors such as taking the medication on an empty stomach, disease progression, or inappropriate medication use.
1. Taking medication on an empty stomach
In general, certain medications for gastric disorders may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa when taken on an empty stomach, thereby exacerbating discomfort symptoms. Therefore, the timing of medication administration should be selected appropriately according to the specific drug type and under the guidance of a physician to minimize adverse effects.
2. Disease progression
After diagnosis of a gastric disorder, regular follow-up examinations are essential to monitor disease improvement. However, if patients fail to attend timely follow-up visits while their condition has already changed, continuing the previously prescribed medication—now no longer suitable for the new pathological state—may lead to worsening abdominal distension and increased discomfort.
3. Inappropriate medication use
Patients may self-medicate with over-the-counter gastric drugs without fully understanding their condition, resulting in ineffective treatment or even disease aggravation. It is recommended that patients promptly seek medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted therapy, thereby preventing further complications.
