What Causes the Hardness in the Large Intestine?
Hardness in the large intestine may be caused by insufficient intake of dietary fiber, drug side effects, intestinal parasite infections, ulcerative colitis, intestinal obstruction, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, where targeted general treatment and medication can be prescribed under medical guidance. Details are as follows:
1. Insufficient Intake of Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber aids in intestinal motility and softens feces. Insufficient dietary fiber in the diet can lead to excessive absorption of water in the large intestine, resulting in dry and hard stools that remain in the intestine for extended periods. It is recommended to increase the intake of dietary fiber-rich foods such as celery and bananas to stimulate intestinal motility and alleviate symptoms.
2. Drug Side Effects
Medications like Atropine Sulfate Tablets, Sertraline Hydrochloride Dispersible Tablets, and Flunarizine Hydrochloride Tablets may cause intestinal discomfort or constipation, leading to a hard feeling in the large intestine. Consult your doctor promptly to adjust medication types or dosages under medical guidance to improve symptoms.
3. Intestinal Parasite Infection
Intestinal parasites growing and multiplying within the intestine can cause mechanical irritation, leading to intestinal mucosa congestion, edema, and erosion, resulting in a hard sensation in the large intestine. Follow medical advice to administer deworming medications like Mebendazole Tablets, Albendazole Tablets, and Ivermectin to alleviate symptoms.
4. Ulcerative Colitis
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis irritates the intestinal mucosa, causing congestion, edema, and erosion. As the disease progresses, intestinal mucosa fibrosis may occur, hardening the intestine. Under medical guidance, patients can use medications such as Prednisone Acetate Tablets, Mesalazine Enteric-coated Tablets, and Olsalazine Sodium Capsules.
5. Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction prevents the smooth passage of intestinal contents, raising intraluminal pressure, which triggers intestinal spasms and contractions, making the large intestine feel hard. Patients should promptly undergo gastrointestinal decompression and enemas under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms and prevent further intestinal damage. This condition may also be caused by intestinal tumors.
Patients should maintain regular eating habits, avoiding overeating or excessive hunger. Additionally, chew food thoroughly, ensuring at least 20 chews per mouthful to facilitate digestion.