The abdomen is hard and tender to touch – what could be the cause?

Stomach refers to the abdomen. Generally, a hard abdomen with tenderness on palpation may be related to indigestion, constipation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, duodenal ulcer, mild peritonitis, and other causes. It is recommended to visit a hospital to determine the exact cause and follow medical advice for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Indigestion: Consuming excessive greasy or hard-to-digest foods may lead to indigestion, causing slowed gastrointestinal motility and difficulty digesting food, resulting in bloating and tenderness upon palpation. These symptoms are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and belching. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits and avoid excessive intake of greasy and hard-to-digest foods.

2. Constipation: A lack of dietary fiber and insufficient water intake may lead to constipation, causing dry and hard stools that accumulate in the intestines for prolonged periods, resulting in a hard abdomen with tenderness upon palpation. This may be accompanied by reduced appetite. It is recommended to improve eating habits and increase the intake of dietary fiber and water.

3. Gastrointestinal dysfunction: Psychological factors, mental stress, or gastric infections may cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. These may be accompanied by mental symptoms like headache and insomnia. Patients are advised to take medications such as Bifidobacterium powder, Mebeverine Hydrochloride tablets, or Pinaverium Bromide tablets under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Duodenal ulcer: Excessive gastric acid secretion or Helicobacter pylori infection may lead to duodenal ulcers, causing pain on an empty stomach. Tenderness may be felt upon palpation of the affected area, and symptoms such as acid regurgitation and belching may also occur. Patients are advised to take medications such as Omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, Lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, or Colloidal Bismuth Pectin capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

5. Mild peritonitis: Mild peritonitis may be caused by bacterial infection or necrosis of intra-abdominal organs, leading to abdominal muscle tension and pain or rebound tenderness upon palpation. Symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Patients should promptly follow medical instructions to take medications such as Ornidazole dispersible tablets, Minocycline Hydrochloride capsules, or Tinidazole capsules for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate vitamins and proteins, such as broccoli and eggs, which can help enhance immune function and promote overall health.