Tight stomach or abdomen: Causes and treatments Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Why does my stomach abdomen feel tight Medically reviewed by Kelsey Trull, PA-C — By Aaron Kandola — Updated on September 22, 2022A feeling of tightness in a person’s abdomen is usually the result of digestive or hormonal issues. The sensation often goes away on its own, but it can signal an underlying health issue. This article will look at potential causes of a tight abdomen, which people often refer to as their stomach. They include:gasconstipationindigestionfood poisoningirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)hiatal herniagastritispremenstrual syndrome (PMS)pregnancyascites It will also discuss symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent a tight abdomen. What is a tight stomach Share on PinterestRay Massey/Getty ImagesA tight abdomen can feel different for everyone. It may feel as if the abdominal muscles are contracting and creating pressure in the stomach or as if the abdomen is full, creating pressure. Here are some possible sources of a feeling of tightness: contractions in the abdominal musclesproblems with the organs in the abdomenproblems inside the gastrointestinal tractfluid collecting in tissues, known as edema or ascites The tight sensation is often a temporary discomfort caused by diet or hormones. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying condition. 10 causes and treatments Here are some of the reasons a person might have a tight abdomen. Gas Gas commonly causes distension and tightness in the abdomen. A person may also experience:belchingbloatingpassing gas Here are some possible reasons for gas:swallowing air, for example by eating fast or drinking fizzy drinksthe natural process of breaking down carbohydrates in the guthaving a health condition, such as IBS or a food intoleranceovergrowth of bacteria in the small intestineobstructions, which can increase gas There are many ways to prevent gas, such as:taking time when eating and drinkingavoiding or quitting smokinglimit consumption of fizzy drinks and drinking with a strawtalking with a doctor about dietary changestaking medications to manage gasseeking treatment for health conditions such as IBS or a food intolerance How can you get rid of trapped gas? Constipation When the stool is not passed through the colon quickly enough, it can cause a tight feeling in the abdomen. Other symptoms of constipation include:fewer than 3 bowel movements a weekunusually firm, lumpy, or dry stoolsdifficulty emptying the bowelsabdominal pain Many factors increase the risk of constipation, including:a low fiber dieta low fluid intakesome medicationssurgery, for example, to the colonmedical conditions, such as IBS, celiac disease, and diabeteslow activity levelspregnancy Treatment options include:consuming more fiberdrinking more waterregular physical activitychecking with a doctor about drugs and supplements that may cause constipationtaking over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications Which foods are good for people with constipation? Indigestion Indigestion or dyspepsia occurs when stomach acid irritates the stomach lining or the food pipe. Indigestion can happen for many reasons, such as:eating too much or too quicklysmokingcertain medicationsstressalcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods Indigestion can cause bloating and a tight stomach, as well as:a burning feeling in the upper abdomenburping, possibly burping up food or liquidfeeling too full soon after eatingnauseagasgrowling in the digestive system Here are some remedies that can help:reducing caffeine and alcohol intakelimiting consumption of fizzy drinksavoiding rich, fatty, or spicy foodsavoiding or quitting smokingmanaging stressusing OTC or prescription medicationsseeking treatment for various health problems, including acid reflux, gallbladder inflammation, and lactose intolerance What foods should you eat and avoid with acid reflux? Food poisoning Food poisoning occurs after eating contaminated foods. It can cause a tight feeling and cramps in the abdomen, along with:vomitingdiarrheanauseafever Depending on the cause of contamination, symptoms can take from 30 minutes to 2 weeks to appear. People should see a doctor if they have severe symptoms, signs of dehydration, or blood in stools. Treatment will depend on the underlying pathogen. What can you eat after food poisoning? Irritable bowel syndrome IBS Irritable bowel syndrome IBS refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the digestive system. IBS can cause a tight feeling in the abdomen, due to bloating. Other symptoms include:abdominal painconstipation, diarrhea, or bothmucus in stoolthe feeling of not finishing a bowel movement It is unclear what causes IBS, but it may be linked to stress, bacterial infections, or food sensitivities. Treatment may involve:dietary changesmanaging stressexercisegetting enough sleepprobioticsOTC and prescription medications Which diet can help with IBS? Hiatal hernia A hiatal or hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest. Tightness in the upper portion of the stomach can occur. Other possible symptoms are:gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with acid refluxheartburncoughasthmabad breathabdominal bloatinggasnauseapain or difficulty with swallowing Treatment aims to manage symptoms, usually with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Some people will need surgery. Which foods should you eat or avoid with a hiatal hernia? Gastritis Gastritis is a common condition that involves inflammation of the stomach lining. Often, there are no symptoms. But, it can cause symptoms of indigestion, including pain, discomfort, and tightness in the upper abdomen. It can also lead to:feeling too full during or soon after eatingnausea and vomitinglow appetite and weight loss It may stem from a bacterial infection or an autoimmune reaction, where the body attacks healthy cells in the stomach. It can also occur with a number of health conditions and treatments, such as celiac disease, portal hypertension, and chemotherapy. Treatment for gastritis will depend on the cause. Options include using a PPI, antibiotics, supplements, and dietary changes. Which dietary choices are best for gastritis? Premenstrual syndrome PMS Premenstrual syndrome often occurs after ovulation and before a menstrual period. PMS can cause fluid to build up, leading to bloating. This can make the abdomen feel tight. Other symptoms can occur, such as:abdominal pain and crampingdiarrhea or constipationheadacheback painclumsinessincreased sensitivity to light and soundfatigueirritabilitymood changespainful breasts Various treatments can help manage PMS. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, may help relieve bloating due to fluid retention. Which foods can help relieve period cramps? Pregnancy Tightness can occur in the abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy as the womb or uterus stretches. If pain occurs too, the person should seek medical help as it may indicate something is wrong. In the second or third trimester, labor contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions can produce a sense of abdominal tightening. Both types of contractions are more common in the third trimester. Braxton Hicks contractions can cause discomfort, but they pass. They do not mean labor is starting. Persistent contractions may be a sign that labor is beginning. Braxton Hicks contractions last from less than 30 seconds up to 2 minutes. Labor contractions last from 30 to less than 90 seconds. Changing sitting or lying positions or doing gentle activities, such as stretching or walking, can relieve abdominal tightness during pregnancy. What should you eat and avoid during pregnancy? Ascites Ascites is when fluid collects in the abdominal cavity, causing the abdomen to appear swollen and feel tight. Ascites can also lead to:weight gainabdominal pain or discomfortdifficulty breathingfluid in the lung cavities Ascites can occur with:liver diseaseblood clots in vessels around the liverheart failurekidney failuremetastatic cancer Treatment includes reducing sodium intake. Diuretics (water pills) may also help. In some cases, a person will need a doctor to remove fluid. Which foods protect the liver? Prevention The best methods for preventing a tight abdomen will vary depending on the cause. It is not always possible, but measures that can help a person stay healthy include:eating a balanced dietstaying hydratedexercising regularlymanaging stressregular handwashing What are 12 home remedies for stomach pain? When to see a doctor In many cases, a tight abdomen does not require medical attention. However, it can be an early sign of a more serious condition. If the feeling persists, causes significant discomfort, or worsens, an individual should seek medical advice. A doctor will determine the cause and recommend suitable treatment. People should seek immediate medical attention if they experience the following alongside distention and tightness:bloody stoolssevere nausea and vomitingweight losssevere abdominal paindifficulty breathinga fever When should you see a doctor for stomach pain and nausea? Frequently asked questions Here are some answers to questions about tightness in the abdomen. What causes stomach or abdominal tightness Common causes include gas, overeating, indigestion, IBS, and pregnancy. Fluid retention can lead to bloating in people with PMS or ascites, which occurs with liver disease and other chronic health issues. How do you relieve stomach or abdominal tightness Tightness often passes with time, but if you have a condition such as GERD, a doctor may prescribe medication. Bloating that occurs with food poisoning may need urgent medical care. How can I prevent stomach or abdominal tightness It is not always possible to prevent a feeling of tightness because it depends on the cause. However, eating a varied diet, getting enough exercise, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress may help keep the gut healthy. Anyone with severe, persistent, or recurring symptoms should seek medical advice. They may have an underlying condition that needs treatment. Summary There are many reasons why a person’s abdomen, including their stomach, might feel tight. It is usually related to digestive or hormonal factors. There may be other symptoms, depending on the cause. In most cases, a tight abdomen is not a cause for concern. However, if symptoms are severe or persistent, the person may need medical attention. Last medically reviewed on September 22, 2022Irritable Bowel SyndromeAnxiety / StressGastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyPregnancy / Obstetrics 11 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Constipation. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipationFood poisoning symptoms. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.htmlGas in the digestive tract. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tractGastritis and gastropathy. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathyHiatus hernia. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiatus-hernia/Indigestion (dyspepsia). (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsiaIrritable bowel syndrome. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndromePremenstrual syndrome PMS . (2021).https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndromeRaines, D. A., et al. (2021). Braxton Hicks contractions.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470546/Smith, R. E., et al. (2022). Hiatal hernia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562200/Your pregnancy and baby guide. (n.d.).https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kelsey Trull, PA-C — By Aaron Kandola — Updated on September 22, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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