Abdominal guarding

Abdominal guarding is a sign where there is excessive contraction of the muscles of the abdomen with slight pressure or stimulus seen in cases of peritonitis.

Other names

Rigidity of the abdomen

Abdominal rigidity may occur with:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Nausea
• Pain
• Swelling
• Vomiting

Causes

Causes can include:

• Abscess inside the abdomen
• Appendicitis
• Cholecystitis caused by gallstones
• Perforation of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder (gastrointestinal perforation)
• Injury to the abdomen
• Peritonitis

Tests

• Barium studies of the stomach and intestines (such as an upper GI series)
• Blood work
• Colonoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Peritoneal lavage
• Stool studies
• Urine tests

X-ray of the abdomen

X-ray of the chest