Why is my stomach hard under my ribs?

When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as overeating or drinking carbonated drinks, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.
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Why is my upper abdomen hard and bloated?

Functional reasons for a distended abdomen tend to involve digestive problems that cause gas and/or digestive contents to accumulate. Causes might include: Gas from functional indigestion, food intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Constipation causing a build-up of feces and back-up of digestive contents.
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Why is my stomach swollen under my ribs?

A swollen abdomen is often caused by bloating from conditions like IBS, heartburn, constipation, and menstrual cramps. But may also be a sign of fluid buildup in the abdomen, liver disease, or an intestinal blockage.
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What does a hard abdomen mean?

If your stomach is feeling hard and swollen, it's usually a side effect from certain foods or drinks. Sometimes, when accompanied by other symptoms, a hard stomach is an indication of an underlying condition. A hard, swollen stomach will usually go away after you stop consuming whatever food or drink triggered it.
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What is the lump below my rib cage?

A lump between the rib cage above the stomach is often due to a condition called epigastric hernia. Epigastrium is a part of your abdominal cavity that is just below the rib cage. In this condition, a lump may be visible just below the sternum, or breastbone.
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Hiatus hernia: signs, symptoms and treatment



Can you feel a hard lump in your stomach?

Possible causes include hernias, lipomas, hematomas, undescended testicles, and tumors. Not all abdominal lumps require treatment, but some may need surgery. Abdominal lumps can be hard or soft and may feel sore. However, they may also appear with no additional symptoms.
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What does an abdominal tumor feel like?

An abdominal mass related to a stomach tumor is most often found during a routine physical exam. Symptoms of a tumor in the abdomen may include indigestion and stomach discomfort, bloating after eating, nausea, loss of appetite and heartburn.
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Why is the upper part of my stomach hard?

When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as overeating or drinking carbonated drinks, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.
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How do you get rid of hard stomach?

Long-term solutions for bloating
  1. Increase fiber gradually. Eating more fiber helps to prevent constipation and bloating. ...
  2. Replace sodas with water. ...
  3. Avoid chewing gum. ...
  4. Get more active every day. ...
  5. Eat at regular intervals. ...
  6. Try probiotics. ...
  7. Cut down on salt. ...
  8. Rule out medical conditions.
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Why is my stomach fat hard?

The hard belly is caused by the build-up of visceral fat, a soft belly is caused by subcutaneous fat, which is located near to your skin. Subcutaneous fat makes your belly jiggly, unlike the visceral fat. One cause behind the build-up of visceral fat could be your genetics.
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When should I be worried about abdominal swelling?

Call your doctor if your abdomen is getting bigger, or if you have other symptoms that accompany the swelling, such as fever or nausea. Seek medical care if you have extreme diarrhea or blood in your stool. If you find that you're unable to eat or drink for more than eight hours, tell your doctor.
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Why do I feel a ball in my stomach?

Most often, a lump in the abdomen is caused by a hernia. An abdominal hernia occurs when there is a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This allows the internal organs to bulge through the muscles of the abdomen. A hernia may appear after you strain, or lift something heavy, or after a long period of coughing.
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What does a swollen stomach indicate?

Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by: Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)
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How do I Debloat my upper stomach?

Tips to ease bloating
  1. Stay hydrated. Sipping water before, during, and after meals can help reduce bloating by flushing excess sodium, which can often lead to bloating.
  2. Get some exercise. ...
  3. Give yoga a try. ...
  4. Try peppermint oil. ...
  5. Massage your abdomen. ...
  6. Digestive enzyme supplements. ...
  7. Soak in an Epsom salt bath.
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Why does my stomach look pregnant?

Endo belly can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure in your abdomen and your back. The lower abdomen can swell for days, weeks, or just a few hours. Many women who experience endo belly say that they “look pregnant,” even though they're not. Endo belly is just one symptom of endometriosis.
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Why is my upper stomach bigger than my lower?

Upper belly fat can be the result of your body storing water weight. Sodium consumption, dehydration, and a lack of electrolytes can cause your body to retain water. This can make your stomach and other areas of your body appear swollen. Stick to a diet low in salt while you're working to lose belly fat.
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Why do doctors press on your stomach?

Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.
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Can you feel a stomach tumor from the outside?

You may not be able to feel the tumor because the mass of stomach cancer develops slowly. However, an abdominal mass related to a stomach tumor is most often felt during a routine physical exam by the doctor. You may not be able to feel the tumor because the mass of stomach cancer develops slowly.
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Are abdominal tumors hard or soft?

An abdominal lump is a swelling or bulge that emerges from any area of the abdomen. It most often feels soft, but it may be firm depending on its underlying cause.
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What are the symptoms of an upper abdominal hernia?

Symptoms
  • Heartburn.
  • Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth.
  • Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux)
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Chest or abdominal pain.
  • Feeling full soon after you eat.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Vomiting of blood or passing of black stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
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What is the lump in my stomach when I sit up?

Diastasis recti occurs when too much pressure is put on your abdominal muscles. This can cause them to stretch and separate. The separation in the muscles allows what's inside of the abdomen, mostly the intestines, to push through the muscles. This forms a bulge.
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Can liver problems cause a distended stomach?

Abdominal Swelling

A swollen abdomen can point to a condition called ascites, in which liver malfunction leads to an imbalance of proteins and other compounds, and fluid builds up in the tissues. The main symptom, potbelly, often signals cirrhosis.
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What could a mass in the stomach be?

An abdominal mass is any abnormal growth that occurs within the abdomen. These masses have several causes, ranging from cysts to cancer. A doctor can diagnose what is causing an abdominal mass with an MRI scan, CT scan, or X-ray.
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Why do I feel like I have a tight band around my stomach?

In most cases, a tight stomach is caused by physical factors, such as digestive issues or hormonal changes. The feeling can also be caused by chronic stress. Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, may be helpful in such cases.
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Why is my stomach fat hard and not soft?

Too much visceral fat can make your belly protrude. If your belly is hard and not squishy, it's likely due to an excess of visceral fat. This can increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
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