Doctors push on the stomach for a few key reasons during a physical exam. Applying pressure and palpating the abdomen can provide valuable information about potential medical issues. Here are some of the main reasons why your doctor might push on your stomach:
Check for abnormalities or masses
By palpating the abdomen, doctors can feel for any abnormal masses, growths, or swellings that may indicate issues like a hernia, enlarged organs, cysts, or tumors. Feeling gently along the stomach and colon allows them to check the size, shape, and texture of organs and tissues.
Assess for tenderness or pain
Doctors will also push on the stomach to see if there are any spots of tenderness or pain. This tenderness may signal underlying inflammation, infection, injury, or other problems. They will look for your reactions as they palpate different areas and may ask you to point out where you feel discomfort.
Evaluate organ size
Pushing on the stomach allows doctors to get a general sense of whether organs like the liver or spleen are enlarged. They are trained to know approximately where these organs sit and can detect if they are extending beyond their normal boundaries. This may indicate conditions like liver disease, leukemia, or mono.
Assess for ascites or swelling
The doctor is also checking for any unusual swelling in the abdominal cavity which could be from ascites or fluid buildup. Ascites can be a sign of serious conditions like liver disease, heart failure, or cancer. Palpating for swelling can help detect this amount of fluid in the abdomen.
Check for hernias
Hernias involve the protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Doctors will look for any bulges or abnormal protrusions when they push on the stomach. An inguinal or umbilical hernia may be detected through abdominal palpation.
Evaluate pregnancy
In pregnant patients, pushing on the stomach allows the doctor to palpate the uterus and get a sense of the baby’s size and positioning as the pregnancy progresses. They can also check for any tenderness or problems involving the uterus.
Assess bowel sounds
Listening with a stethoscope and pushing gently on the abdomen enables doctors to check for bowel sounds. These gurgling sounds provide clues about intestinal activity and can indicate potential issues like blockages or ileus if abnormal.
Check for rebound tenderness
Doctors may also test for rebound tenderness which involves pressing on the abdomen and then quickly letting go. If this causes significant pain, it may indicate peritonitis or other sources of inflammation in the abdominal cavity requiring further testing.
Guide diagnosis
Information gathered from palpating the abdomen combined with a patient’s symptoms can help guide a doctor’s diagnosis. By thoroughly pushing on all areas of the stomach, they can get a better overall clinical picture to determine potential causes and recommend appropriate next steps.
Conclusion
Pushing on the stomach allows doctors to assess the abdomen for masses, hernias, organ enlargement, ascites, and tenderness that may indicate underlying medical issues. Combined with a physical exam and patient history, it provides key clinical information to arrive at a proper diagnosis. While it may be uncomfortable, cooperating with abdominal palpation is important for identifying conditions that may require treatment.
| Reason | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Check for abnormalities or masses | Feel for hernias, cysts, enlarged organs, tumors |
| Assess for tenderness or pain | Check for inflammation, infection, injury |
| Evaluate organ size | Detect enlarged liver, spleen, etc. |
| Assess for ascites or swelling | Look for fluid buildup indicating serious conditions |
| Check for hernias | Identify abnormal protrusions of tissues |
| Evaluate pregnancy | Palpate uterus to check baby size and position |
| Assess bowel sounds | Listen for gurgling to check intestinal activity |
| Check for rebound tenderness | Pain on release may signify inflammation in abdomen |
| Guide diagnosis | Provides clues to determine potential causes of symptoms |
When should you see a doctor?
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
- Visible bulges or protrusions in the abdomen
- Significant tenderness when your abdomen is touched or pushed on
- Unexplained swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Abnormal masses that can be felt in the abdomen
- Ongoing nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements
- Significant unintentional weight loss
Any of these symptoms could signal an underlying issue needing medical evaluation. Don’t hesitate to get checked out if you have concerns about your abdominal health.
What happens during the exam?
Here’s what you can expect when your doctor examines your abdomen:
- They will first visually inspect your abdomen while you are standing and lying down, looking for any visible swelling, discoloration, or protrusions.
- They will listen to bowel sounds with a stethoscope placed in different areas of the abdomen.
- The doctor will then palpate the abdomen, pressing gently on all quadrants, including around the colon, stomach, liver, and other organs.
- They will take note if any palpation causes discomfort or pain.
- The doctor may test for rebound tenderness by pressing on the abdomen and then quickly releasing.
- You may need to get blood tests, imaging scans, or other diagnostic tests if any abnormalities are detected.
Speak up about any sensations you experience during the abdominal exam so the doctor can make appropriate notes.
How can you prepare?
You can prepare for examination of your abdomen in a few ways:
- Fast for 8-12 hours before the appointment to make sure your stomach is empty.
- Show up early and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Let the doctor know if you have any tenderness, pain, or swelling before they begin palpating.
- Breathe normally and relax your abdominal muscles during the exam.
- Inform your doctor about any related medical conditions, past surgeries, or symptoms you’ve been having.
Being prepared both physically and mentally will ensure the abdominal exam goes smoothly and provides the most useful information.
What does it feel like?
Here’s what to expect in terms of sensations when your doctor pushes on your stomach:
- You’ll feel the doctor’s hands moving across and applying gentle pressure to different areas of your abdomen.
- Palpation may feel slightly uncomfortable but should not cause significant pain.
- You may experience some mild tenderness or aching when they press over certain organs or tissues.
- Let the doctor know if any spots are very sensitive or elicit actual pain when pushed on.
- You’ll feel a deeper push when they are checking for rebound tenderness after palpation.
- Some mild stomach gurgling is normal during and after the abdominal exam.
- Stay relaxed and take slow deep breaths if you start to feel anxious, nauseous, or lightheaded during the process.
Communicate openly with your doctor so they can assess your abdomen thoroughly while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
Summary
Doctors push on the stomach to evaluate the abdomen for any masses, swelling, organ enlargement, hernias, or spots of pain or tenderness. This abdominal palpation provides important information to arrive at a diagnosis. While it may be uncomfortable, try to stay relaxed during the exam. Speak up about any sensations so the doctor can make appropriate notes. With an informed and thoughtful approach, your doctor can make the process smooth and efficient.