The stomach is hard and hurts. The abdomen is hard and hard to the touch reasons

The appearance of solid and bloated belly is a sign of a malfunction in the body. Sometimes the reasons are quite banal, for example, this phenomenon often occurs after overeating, but in some cases the provoking factor becomes a serious illness.

The feeling of an enlarged belly can be subjective. Then there are complaints about a feeling of fullness and heaviness. As a rule, this is a temporary condition that does not require specific measures.

The reasons for the temporary appearance of a hard belly are hidden in the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. A medical examination will only confirm the real factors of subjective sensations.

The bulge may be due to overweight and spinal defect (forward-facing curve - lumbar lordosis). A specialist can easily determine these conditions from real swelling after studying the anamnesis and external examination.

Why does a hard belly appear in healthy people?

If a person does not have any diseases, then this phenomenon is caused by the accumulation of gases or air:

Swallowing air while eating overuse Carbonated drinks cause temporary bloating. In this case, there may appear frequent belching. Partial air exits through the anus and is absorbed by the intestinal walls;
The stomach hardens when gases form during the digestion of food, as well as after taking soda, which neutralizes gastric secretions;
Hardness observed after use large quantity sweet products and baked goods. They are easily digestible carbohydrates, cause a fermentation reaction, respectively, increasing gas formation;
A large amount of fiber and starch in the body also causes discomfort (brown bread, legumes, potatoes, cabbage, etc.).

Pathological causes of a bloated and hard abdomen

Gases may occur due to the presence of fermentopathy. For example, a deficiency of the enzyme needed to break down complex milk sugar (lactose) into monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) is very common among adults. This enzyme is called lactase, it is synthesized thin sections intestines.

If there is a deficiency of this substance, milk passes into large intestine and only there is it digested with the participation of local microflora. It is this process that causes increased gas formation in lactase deficiency, painful sensation distension and bloating after eating.

Hard belly at small child most often occurs due to dysbiosis. It is worth noting that this violation Quite common among adults as well. This disease is characterized by an imbalance of intestinal microflora, that is, the number of opportunistic bacteria increases, and the number of beneficial bacteria decreases.

Both the former and the latter are constantly present in the body, but when an imbalance occurs, the normal absorption of food is disrupted, it is poorly digested, putrefactive processes dominate, and gas formation suddenly increases.

If the abdomen is distended only in a certain place, then one may suspect a mechanical obstruction to the movement of gases, for example, a tumor or intestinal obstruction for other reasons. This phenomenon is observed when intestinal motility is disrupted (often occurs with invasions that provoke intoxication of the intestinal muscles), problems with blood circulation (varicose veins affecting the lower abdomen). Discomfort can be caused by mental pathologies, for example, hysterical disorder.

How to determine why your stomach has become hard and bloated

Usually, the first symptoms are detected by the person himself, who constantly loosens his belt, wears clothes large sizes feeling constant discomfort. However, in some cases this phenomenon goes unnoticed for a long time, for example, with significant obesity, asymptomatic ascites (abdominal dropsy).

The presence of a disorder may be indicated by a feeling of tension in the groin, on both sides of the lower back, and pain in this area.

Pain syndrome, as a rule, occurs as a result of the body’s reaction to damage by any pathology internal organ. For example, it could be an enlarged spleen, a congested liver, or a tumor in the large intestine. Local pain, which is uncharacteristic of ascites, occurs against the background of the development of cirrhosis. In addition, it may be inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis) or pancreas (pancreatitis), primary liver cancer (hepatoma).

A distended, painful, and hard abdomen may be a symptom of progressive ascites or growing tumors. This increases intra-abdominal pressure. As a result, food digestion is disrupted, it moves back into the esophagus (reflux), causing heartburn. When the diaphragm rises, there is shortness of breath in supine position(orthopnea), shallow rapid breathing (tachypnea).

Diffuse swelling should be a reason for more thorough examination. The doctor is interested in a tendency to abuse alcohol, a history of hematuria, jaundice, disorders intestinal activity, rheumatic heart pathologies. The data obtained make it possible to identify cirrhosis, colon cancer with metastases to the peritoneum, kidney pathologies (nephrosis), and congestive heart failure.

What to do if your lower abdomen is painful and hard

It is not recommended to self-medicate, especially if this condition occurs frequently or is constantly present. Consult a gastroenterologist for advice. The doctor will conduct a diagnosis, study the medical history, rule out or confirm the presence of diseases.

Often, diagnosis in a child and an adult involves the following studies:

Analysis of stool for intestinal microflora;
Examination of gastric juice;
Bacterial analysis of stool;
Bile examination;
Ultrasound of organs digestive system.

IN mandatory If the stomach is hard, it is necessary to adjust the patient’s diet. Products that can increase gas formation (cabbage, potatoes, rice, whole milk, etc.) are excluded from the menu. Every day they eat coarse bread, a limited amount of vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.

It is recommended to strengthen physical activity, it is not necessary to do exercises in the gym, walking 3 km a day is enough. In the absence serious illnesses, characterized by the appearance of a hard belly, changing your diet and lifestyle will certainly relieve discomfort.

Drug treatment for hard belly

Doctors often prescribe to reduce gas formation. the whole complex drugs. It necessarily includes adsorbing agents - polysorb, activated carbon, smecta. Enzymatic ones are also used medicines– mezim, pancreatin, panzinorm. Sometimes drugs are prescribed that replace bile or stimulate its production - karsil, LIV 80, allohol.

The appearance of a hard and bloated abdomen is a sign of a malfunction in the body. Occasionally, the reasons are quite trivial, for example, such a phenomenon often appears after overeating, but in some cases the provoking factor becomes a solid disease.

The feeling of an enlarged belly can be subjective. Then there are complaints about a feeling of fullness and heaviness. As usual, this is a temporary condition that does not require specific measures.

The reasons for the temporary origin of a hard abdomen are hidden in the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. A medical examination will only confirm the real factors of subjective sensations.

Convexity can be caused by excess weight and a lack of spine (forward-facing curve - lumbar lordosis). An expert can easily identify these conditions from genuine swelling after taking a history and external examination.

Why does a hard stomach occur in healthy people?

If a person does not have any diseases, then this phenomenon is caused by the collection of gases or air:

Swallowing air while eating or excessive consumption of carbonated drinks leads to temporary bloating. This may cause frequent belching. Some of the air exits through the anus and is absorbed by the intestinal walls;
The stomach hardens when gases form during the digestion of food, as well as after taking soda, which neutralizes gastric secretions;
Hardness is monitored after consuming a large number of sugary foods and baked goods. They are easily digestible carbohydrates, cause a fermentation reaction, accordingly, increasing gas formation;
A large amount of fiber and starch in the body also causes discomfort (brown bread, legumes, potatoes, cabbage, etc.).

Pathological causes of a bloated and hard abdomen

Gases may appear due to the presence of fermentopathy. For example, a deficiency of the enzyme needed to break down difficult milk sugar (lactose) into monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) is very common among adults. This enzyme is called lactase, it is synthesized by the small intestines.

If there is a shortage of this substance, milk passes into the large intestine and only there is it digested with the participation of the local microflora. Exactly this process with lactase deficiency causes increased gas formation, painful feeling distension and bloating after eating.

A hard belly in a small child most often appears due to dysbiosis. It is worth noting that this disorder is quite common among adults. This disease is characterized by an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, that is, the number of opportunistic bacteria increases, and the number of suitable bacteria decreases.

Both the first and second are present in the body continuously, but when an imbalance appears, the typical absorption of food is disrupted, it is not digested well, putrefactive processes dominate, and gas formation unexpectedly increases.

If the stomach is inflated only in a certain place, then one can suspect a mechanical obstacle to the movement of gases, say, a tumor or intestinal obstruction for other reasons. This phenomenon is monitored when intestinal motility is disrupted (often occurs with invasions that provoke intoxication of the intestinal muscles), problems with blood circulation (varicose veins affecting the lower abdomen). Discomfort can be caused by mental pathologies, for example, hysterical disorder.

How to determine why your stomach has become hard and bloated

Usually the first signs are discovered by the person himself, the one who continuously loosens his belt, wears oversized clothes, and feels constant discomfort. However, in some cases this phenomenon goes unnoticed for a long time, for example, with significant obesity, asymptomatic ascites (abdominal dropsy).

The presence of a disorder may be indicated by a feeling of tension in the groin, on both sides of the lower back, and pain in this area.

Pain syndrome, as usual, appears as a result of the body’s reaction to damage to some internal organ by pathology. For example, it could be an enlarged spleen, a congested liver, or a tumor in the large intestine. Local pain, which is uncharacteristic of ascites, appears against the background of the formation of cirrhosis. In addition, it may be inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis) or pancreas (pancreatitis), primary liver cancer (hepatoma).

A distended, sore, and firm abdomen may be a sign of developing ascites or growing tumors. At the same time, intra-abdominal pressure increases. As a result, food digestion is disrupted, it moves back into the esophagus (reflux), causing heartburn. When the diaphragm rises, shortness of breath in a supine position (orthopnea), shallow rapid breathing (tachypnea) is monitored.

Diffuse swelling should prompt a more thorough examination. The doctor is interested in a tendency to alcohol abuse, a history of hematuria, jaundice, intestinal disorders, and rheumatic mental pathologies. The data obtained make it possible to identify cirrhosis, colon cancer with metastases to the peritoneum, kidney pathologies (nephrosis), and congestive mental failure.

What to do if your lower abdomen is sore and hard

It is not recommended to self-medicate, especially if this condition occurs frequently or is continuously present. Consult a gastroenterologist for advice. The doctor will conduct a diagnosis, study the medical history, and rule out or confirm the presence of diseases.

Often, diagnosis in a child and an adult involves the following studies:

Analysis of stool for intestinal microflora;
Examination of gastric juice;
Stool bacterial survey;
Bile examination;
Ultrasound of the digestive system.

Without fail, if the stomach is strong, you need to adjust the patient’s diet. Products that can increase gas formation (cabbage, potatoes, rice, whole milk, etc.) are excluded from the menu. Every day they eat finely ground bread, a limited number of vegetables and fruits, and fermented milk products.

It is recommended to increase physical activity, but do not strictly perform exercises in the gym; walking 3 km a day is enough. In the absence of serious diseases characterized by the origin of a hard abdomen, a metamorphosis of diet and lifestyle will definitely relieve discomfort.

Drug treatment for hard belly

Often, doctors prescribe a whole range of drugs to reduce gas formation. It certainly includes adsorbing agents - polysorb, activated carbon, smecta. Enzymatic drugs are also used - mezim, pancreatin, panzinorm. Occasionally, drugs are prescribed that replace bile or stimulate its production - karsil, LIV 80, allohol.

Bloating can be caused by medications that suppress bile production. hydrochloric acid and gastric juice.

If the patient is prescribed such drugs, then he must adhere to a certain diet. In this regard, it is better to consult a doctor if he himself has not given instructions.

Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the root cause of the disease, and not just at relieving discomfort. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly find out why this violation arose.

The action of adsorbents is aimed at collecting gases, but at the same time it is necessary to get rid of the factor that provokes their origin.

If the cause is dysbacteriosis, you must first eliminate it. Symptomatic treatment, finally, is also assumed, but it will be unproductive if the typical intestinal microflora is not restored.

A bloated belly can not only look unsightly, but also create a lot of problems in the process of life. There are very few reasons why similar phenomenon. Below we will present them in more detail, and also provide several effective recommendations on how to quickly get rid of this problem.

Why the belly is bloated: the main reasons

In order to find out why your stomach is always bloated, you need to observe your body and identify other symptoms that accompany this unpleasant deviation.

Increased gas or flatulence

A bloated belly is most often observed against the background of increased gas formation. IN medical practice This pathology is called irritable bowel syndrome. The reason for this could be anything. Some people have a bloated stomach due to consuming large amounts of coarse fiber or drinks with gas, while others suffer from gas formation due to putrefactive infestation (giardiasis) or lactose deficiency.

Methods for treating flatulence

To remove bloated belly, first you need to identify the real reason its occurrence. Thus, if gas formation occurs due to poor nutrition, then it is necessary to adjust the diet, etc. But if the problem has already arisen, and it interferes quite a lot normal image life, then experts advise eliminating the symptom of bloating and significantly alleviating your condition with the help of a drug such as Espumisan. However, it is worth noting that this remedy does not remove the stomach itself, but only extinguishes the existing signs of flatulence.

or pancreatitis

An underactive pancreas can also cause the symptom of bloating. As is known, such a disease distorts all absorption processes in the intestine, as a result of which gases are formed in it, and subsequently bloating occurs.

Methods or chronic cholecystitis

Currently there are quite a few pharmaceuticals, which treat the presented disease. However, the first thing a person with such a diagnosis should pay attention to is his diet. After all, it’s fatty, spicy, salty and rich simple carbohydrates food provokes By properly adjusting your diet, you will not only get rid of such a symptom as a bloated stomach, but you will also forever forget what pain in the epigastrium and in the right hypochondrium is.

If the disease does occur, it is recommended to drink choleretic drugs, which improve the kinetics of the common bile duct, relax it, and also increase the tone of the gallbladder. To do this, you should take herbs: milk thistle, dandelion roots, silymarin or barberry preparations.

Among other things, bloating can occur against the background of strong experiences and stress, as well as frequent smoking. To ensure that such problems no longer bother you in the future, it is recommended to eliminate all of these negative factors from your life.

Stomach is swollen, many people face such troubles after eating food. Excess gases are the key cause of a bloated belly. Under normal conditions, most excess gases are absorbed by aerobes, bacteria living in the intestines.

When the balance between bacteria consuming gases and producing, then there is a phenomenon called flatulence.

There are many reasons leading to increased accumulation of gases in the intestinal lumen. Imperfection enzyme system may result in a significant amount of undigested digestive debris entering the large intestine. The result of such actions is the activation of the processes of decay and fermentation, with abundant release of gases.

And also an imbalance in the nutritional process can be called the main cause of the disorder normal functioning adult enzyme system.

Stomach upset - this problem“captivates” many people.

For example, this process can occur as a result of the systematic consumption of foods prepared with milk.

This is due to the fact that over the years, the amount of enzymes in the body necessary to process “milk sugar” decreases. Unprocessed lactose accumulates, ferments, and the result of all this is an excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines. This accumulation of them creates a feeling of excessive filling of the stomach, when it seems that it is about to burst. Data is not secure.

Next negative factor Damage to the colon flora is considered to influence increased intestinal gas formation. At the same time, its mucous membrane does not fully absorb proteins and carbohydrates that enter the body with food. Increased formation of gases is facilitated by eating a number of foods that are difficult to digest and absorb by the body. This list includes all types legumes, oats, barley, honey, nuts.

There may be cases when the condition of a bloated abdomen is observed as a result allergic reaction person.

When the basic functions of the stomach are disrupted, an aggravated response of nerve fibers to food products, liquids that have a pungent, sour, salty taste. As a result, in the large intestine there are observed muscle spasms. The food masses located there, not processed, not absorbed by the body, do not have the opportunity for further advancement, which means the appearance. The result of all of the above is stretching of the intestinal walls, compaction of the masses contained there, and an increase in the excessive feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

Symptoms of bloating

1. Attacks of cramping pain like intestinal colic.

2. Nausea, belching, poor appetite, diarrhea.

3. Feeling of “fullness” belly” due to intestinal spasms.

4. Intensive release of gases, “rumbling, bubbling.”

Prevention of flatulence

In order not to lead to an aggravated stage, it is useful to follow the recommendations below.

1. At the end of the meal process, you need to take a walk fresh air, at least half an hour, at a leisurely pace.

2. Based on your physical capabilities, try to be closer to some kind of sport.

As a last resort, you need to regularly do morning exercises, since any physical exercise activate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract intestinal tract.

3. Use drugs that significantly reduce the formation of gases, of course, after consultation with your doctor.

4. Reduce the use of substances that stimulate the digestive system.

These include coffee drinks, strong tea, chocolate products.

Benefits of drinking teas from herbal infusions: mint, chamomile, dill, which reduces the likelihood overeducation, accumulations of gases.

5. Reduce the amount of fat consumed, since it only enhances the process of gas accumulation.

6. Exclude hot, supercooled foods, drinks containing gas from the diet, and do not chew chewing gum.

7. While eating, you should not rush; you need to chew food thoroughly so that excess air does not get inside.

Under these conditions there is copious discharge saliva containing enzymes that help begin the breakdown of food before it enters the stomach.

In some cases, the signs of stomach upset are similar to initial signs appendicitis. To avoid confusion between one and the other, it is necessary to know some of the differences.

1. Painful sensations associated with the stomach, usually stop after no large number time (2-4 hours), and the pain caused by an attack of appendicitis does not go away during this time, but only intensifies.

2. An upset stomach is accompanied by repeated vomiting, and the symptoms of appendicitis are characterized by emptying intestines.

In any case, this situation requires qualified assistance medical workers.

Possible causes of poisoning

In order to have as few encounters with pathogenic bacteria in life as possible (including those that cause gastric poisoning and the formation of numerous gases there), it is strongly recommended that you be more careful with the following products in appropriate situations.

1. Boiled rice should not be left on for a long time in a warm state. To avoid poisoning, rice must be cooled and further stored in the refrigerator.

2. The source of poisoning can be minced meat, meat gravy or other filling left on low heat for a long time.

3. Not cooked meat cutlets can become a source of E. coli infection, and body health may be significantly shaken, with all the ensuing consequences.

4. Some types of soft cheeses contain pathogenic bacteria, multiplying even with temperature conditions refrigerator.

5. Raw eggs, undercooked poultry becomes a source of such dangerous variety bacteria such as salmonella. Signs of getting into human body these bacteria can be called repeated vomiting, nausea, pain attacks in the abdomen, constant general weakness body, feeling of chills.

When experiencing flatulence, it should be borne in mind that the main cause of the disease is not the consumption of any product, but the factor - how much food was eaten. In addition, the compatibility of one type of product with another has a significant impact. For example, a negative example would be eating grapes after eating dairy products.

Home help for bloating

1. Crush carrot seeds into powder, in the amount of one gram. Take three times a day.

2. Prepare the herb “Melilot officinalis” in an amount of twenty grams. Put it in a thermos with four glasses of fresh boiled water, leave for two hours, cool. Take half a glass one hour before meals. The course lasts three weeks.

3. Crush the root part of the medicinal woodpecker. Take half a teaspoon in powder form, three times a day, for 21 days.

4. Take five grams of common tansy flowers, put in a thermos, fill it with a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour. Recommended servings: two tablespoons before meals, ten days.

5. Place 10 grams of wormwood herb in a thermos with one glass of boiled water and leave for forty minutes. Take the medicine 3 times a day before meals, for a course of ten days.

6. Color pharmaceutical chamomile(three tablespoons) put in a thermos. After this, pour half a liter of boiled water there and leave for 3 hours. Drink 200 ml 90 minutes before meals, twice, for a course of 21 days.

Summarizing all of the above, I would like to especially emphasize that the situation when the stomach is swollen, especially for a reason unknown to you, is extremely serious problem. If no improvement is observed within several days, it is strongly recommended not to delay contacting a doctor. The relevance of this statement is greatly enhanced when, in addition to bloating, a person experiences severe pain.

If movement in the intestines is inhibited, food absorption processes are disrupted. Due to the prolonged presence of food in the intestines, a large amount of gases is formed. Enzyme deficiency only aggravates the patient's condition.

Some patients experience signs of cholecystitis, which is accompanied by the release of hydrogen sulfide. This gas gives burps their smell. rotten egg. dangerous because it disrupts the production of enzymes. Plant fibers entering the intestines simply do not have time to be absorbed by the body. They remain in the patient’s intestines for quite a long time.

Trying to process them without enough enzymes results in the formation of gases. To get rid of bloating, you need to know the cause of the pathology. Gas accumulates in the bends of the intestine. Thus, it prevents the movement of feces.

With regular belching, bloating is also observed.

The disease manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

the patient's abdominal volume increases;
when palpated in a lying position, you can hear;
bending forward is accompanied by tension in the diaphragm;
a person suffers from regular;
a large amount of gases are released in the intestines;
the process of bowel movement is complicated;
a person loses appetite;
headaches begin;
immunity decreases as the balance in the intestines is disrupted.

Why does abdominal bloating and pain begin?

Irritable bowel syndrome causes abdominal pain.

Damage to the mucous membranes causes bloating. Pain also indicates damage to the intestinal tract by candida.

In women fungal disease accompanied . Increase in quantity pathogenic microorganisms associated with taking antibiotics. The patient experiences a change in intestinal microflora.

Antibiotics destroy not only harmful ones, but also beneficial bacteria. Thus, they provoke the growth of fungi and pathogenic microflora.

To restore the microflora, you will have to undergo a long course of treatment with probiotics. Several causes of the disease can be identified. These include pancreatitis, cholecystitis and hepatitis. Disruption of the digestion process leads to food remaining in the intestines for too long. At the same time, cadaveric poison is released and rotting begins.

Pathologies may be a consequence sedentary lifestyle life. The patient is disturbed. The disease is accompanied by the accumulation of gases in the digestive system. When walking, a natural massage occurs on the front abdominal wall. This stimulates the intestines and increases its efficiency. To consolidate the effect, you will have to observe 2 weeks after getting rid of the symptoms of the disease.

The reason may be a person's excessive appetite. The body just can't handle it a large number food. Huge portions from the stomach enter the intestines. Digestion becomes more difficult high content salt and preservatives. They require additional effort when absorbed in the intestines.

Irritable bowel syndrome is another common cause of the disease. A sign of this disease is. In this case, intestinal motility is disrupted. Violation of the speed of movement of the food bolus causes indigestion.

The patient complains about constant pain in the stomach. He experiences constipation, which is accompanied by increased gas formation. At intestinal obstruction Tumors are also detected in patients. Neoplasms disrupt the progression process feces. As a result, fermentation begins in the patient's body.

The disease makes defecation difficult, as a person begins to feel pain when bowel movements.

What to do if you have bloating?

First you need to consult with. The doctor refers the patient for examinations to confirm the diagnosis. A stool sample is taken. During the study, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms is checked.

The video will tell you why your belly grows:

Determination of the composition of gastric juice

Ultrasound is prescribed to check the digestive organs.

The patient's diet is of great importance. First of all, you need to exclude from the menu foods that stimulate gas production. These are peas, beans and. To restore the functioning of the digestive system, you need to eat wholemeal bread.

Fermented milk products and vegetables will benefit the body. It is better to give up sweets, as sugar provokes the development of fermentation processes.

Provokes the formation of gases. In addition, many patients are unable to digest lactose. This may cause the development of the disease. It is better to replace milk fermented milk products. They contain beneficial microorganisms, which help restore the functioning of the digestive organs. During your illness you will have to give up confectionery products.

Smoked meats and marinades irritate the intestinal walls. In addition, they put quite a lot of strain on the digestive organs. To digest such heavy foods, enzymes are needed. Pathologies disrupt excretion digestive enzymes. Pieces of incompletely digested food can be seen in the patient’s intestines.

How to treat bloating with medication

Karsil - stimulates the production of bile.

The patient is prescribed adsorbent drugs (Polysorb). With pancreatitis, the patient needs additional digestive enzymes.

Only eliminating the cause of the pathology will help improve the functioning of the digestive organs. During treatment, do not exceed the dosage specified in the instructions.

You can cope with the symptoms of the disease by. The active ingredient of the drug is simethicone.