What are the Causes of Hard Abdomen and Its Home Treatments

A hard or rigid abdomen is due to the stiffness of the abdominal muscles that can be felt through palpation. Abdominal rigidity may be experienced with or without pain. It should be noted, however, that if pain is felt by the patient, it may be a sign of a negative physical condition.

Abdominal guarding may also be observed in a patient with a hard abdomen. Abdominal guarding is the tightening of the abdominal muscles in response to pain or perceived pain when a caregiver or healthcare provider tries to palpate or slightly touch the area where pain is felt.

Hard Abdomen Causes

• Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix due to infection from impacted foreign body or indigested food. Involuntary rigidity of the abdomen, if appendicitis is suspected, may be indicative of an exploded appendix.
• Cholecystitis or the inflammation of the gall bladder may also cause the abdomen to become stiff. The gall bladder is responsible for the storage of bile, to which fat is metabolized with. Patients with such conditions should seek medical advice, and should not be disregarded.

It is best for the patient to be checked by a healthcare provider or a physician for treatment and management.

Hard Abdomen and Constipation

• Constipation can also cause abdominal rigidity. Although constipation should not be taken lightly, it can be managed in simpler interventions compared to the previous medical conditions mentioned.
• Patients that are experiencing constipation have less frequent bowel movements and pass hard stools. Passage of dry, hard stools is often experienced with pain.
• Constipation happens when the large intestines absorb too much water from solid wastes before leaving the body. It may also be due to low peristaltic movement due to a decreased intake of dietary fiber, having lesser ways to get active through exercise, and decreased fluid intake.

Home Treatments for Constipation

• The extract from the bark of Cascara Sagrada is believed to be a stimulant laxative.
• Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, having the right kind of diet by eating foods that are high in fiber like wheat, bran and fruits can contribute to having a healthy colon. Here are some examples of high-fiber fruits: papaya, pears, orange, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, figs, prunes and avocado.
• Carrot and spinach juice may also promote active bowels.
• Exercising daily or having an active lifestyle may be able to help relieve constipation thus, relieving abdominal rigidity associated with it.