What causes a hard stomach?
Apr 02, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, a hard abdomen may be caused by factors such as excessive tension, gastrointestinal dysfunction, constipation, acute peritonitis, or intestinal obstruction. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Maintaining a balanced diet, consuming more fiber-rich foods—such as Chinese cabbage, kiwifruit, and corn—and engaging in regular physical exercise are beneficial for health.
The term "stomach" may refer to the abdomen. Generally, a hard abdomen could be caused by factors such as excessive tension, gastrointestinal dysfunction, constipation, acute peritonitis, or intestinal obstruction. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Excessive tension: Factors such as physical tension and high stress levels may lead to sustained contraction of abdominal muscles, resulting in a hard abdomen. It is advisable to maintain a positive mindset, avoid excessive tension and anxiety, which can help reduce physical stress and relieve muscle tightness or spasms.
2. Gastrointestinal dysfunction: This may be related to improper diet, cold exposure to the abdomen, bacterial infection, and other factors. When gastrointestinal dysfunction occurs, it may slow gastrointestinal motility and increase intestinal gas, leading to symptoms such as a hard abdomen, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Patients are advised to take medications such as Bifidobacterium live powder, Mebeverine Hydrochloride tablets, or Pinaverium Bromide tablets as directed by a physician.
3. Constipation: This may be associated with overly refined diets and insufficient dietary fiber intake. After onset, patients may experience difficulty defecating, causing food residue to accumulate in the intestines and making the abdomen feel hard. Symptoms may also include reduced bowel movement frequency and difficulty passing stool. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions to use medications such as Simo Decoction Oral Liquid, Bifid Triple Live Capsules, or Bacillus Subtilis and Enterococcus Faecalis Live Granules.
4. Acute peritonitis: Inflammatory infections within the abdominal cavity caused by conditions such as gastric perforation or intestinal perforation may stimulate inflammation, leading to abdominal muscle rigidity and a hard abdomen. This condition may also present with significant tenderness and rebound tenderness. Patients are advised to strictly follow medical instructions when using medications such as Ornidazole Dispersible Tablets, Minocycline Hydrochloride Capsules, or Tinidazole Capsules for improvement.
5. Intestinal obstruction: This may be caused by diseases such as duodenal ulcers or intussusception. After onset, intestinal contents may fail to pass normally, causing symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, and a firm-feeling abdomen. Patients are advised to seek timely medical care; surgical intervention such as bowel resection and anastomosis may be required for improvement.
It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, consume more fiber-rich foods such as Chinese cabbage, kiwifruit, and corn, and engage in regular physical activity, all of which are beneficial for overall health.
