What causes severe tenderness and hardness in the ascending colon with bloating, and what should be done about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Tenderness and hardness in the ascending colon with intestinal bloating may be related to improper diet, intestinal flora imbalance, or could result from conditions such as intestinal obstruction. After identifying the underlying cause, symptoms can be relieved through general management and medication. Besides these factors, conditions such as appendicitis, colitis, or right ureteral stones may also be responsible. Patients are advised to seek medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.
Palpation of the ascending colon reveals significant tenderness and hardness along with intestinal bloating, which may be related to improper diet, intestinal flora imbalance, or possibly caused by conditions such as intestinal obstruction. After identifying the specific cause, symptoms can be relieved through general management and medication. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Diet
In daily eating habits, frequently consuming gas-producing foods such as soybeans, sweet potatoes, and white radishes may increase intestinal gas, leading to gastrointestinal bloating or distension of the ascending colon. It is important to adjust dietary habits promptly. Including foods such as chives, spinach, and oats in moderation can help promote intestinal motility.
2. Intestinal Flora Imbalance
When intestinal flora becomes imbalanced, peristalsis of the ascending colon may slow down, preventing food from being rapidly digested and absorbed by the body. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating in the ascending colon, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Under medical guidance, medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate tablets, and Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules may be used for treatment.
3. Intestinal Obstruction
If a patient has colonic obstruction, food cannot be properly digested and absorbed, resulting in abdominal distension. Even after stopping food intake, gases produced by decomposition of contents within the gastrointestinal tract can still cause abdominal pain and bloating; ascending colon obstruction is a common type. Pain may spread throughout the abdomen, causing tenderness over the ascending colon. Under a doctor's recommendation, patients may undergo gastrointestinal decompression therapy to reduce intraluminal pressure, improve blood circulation in the intestinal wall, and thereby alleviate bloating symptoms.
Besides the above factors, similar symptoms could also result from appendicitis, colitis, or right ureteral stones. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause.
