Hard stomach, painful when pressed, with some bloating and discomfort—what should I do?
Hardness in the abdomen accompanied by tenderness and distension requires treatment based on the underlying cause. Common causes include indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, peritonitis, and others.
1. Indigestion: If caused by indigestion, slowed gastrointestinal motility may be responsible. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include prokinetic medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate tablets, or itopride hydrochloride tablets, which help accelerate gastric emptying and restore digestive function.
2. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: When gastrointestinal dysfunction leads to weakened gut movement, probiotics prescribed by a physician may be used. Common options include Bifidobacterium live capsule, Bacillus subtilis and bifidobacterium granules, and lactase tablets, which help regulate intestinal flora, aid digestion, and improve gastrointestinal function.
3. Peritonitis: If abdominal pain and hardness are due to peritonitis, inflammation can irritate the abdominal cavity and cause muscle tension. Antibiotic therapy under medical supervision is recommended. Commonly used antibiotics include amoxicillin capsules, ampicillin capsules, and levofloxacin capsules, which help resolve inflammation.
In addition, conditions such as colorectal cancer may also cause similar symptoms. It is advisable to determine the exact cause and initiate appropriate treatment promptly.