What is causing pain below sternum followed by bloated and hard stomach?
Patient: Hi, My husband presented at the hospital last weekend with a pain just below his sternum.  They confirmed it wasn't heart trouble but he hasn't been able to consult with a GP this week because of work commitments.  He had an appt today with his Dr, but unfortunately he was sick and couldn't see him.  He has had a bit of pain all week but his stomach is awfully bloated and hard.  The Dr at the hospital that the pain could be from an ulcer, or GERD. He is of normal colour he hasn't been unwell and his bowel habits have been much the same. Doctor: Hi.The symptoms and the findings you have noted are not matching to each other.In spite of bloated and hard stomach your husband is working. He has only a bit of pain. GERD can not cause this . Ulcer can cause this only if it is perforated and healed immediately ( very very rare). There is a rare chance of of an epigastric hernia protruded with fat only to cause discomfort and hardness. I would advise to consult a GP ASAP and undergo all the relevant tests as advised. Bloated and hard abdomen can be due to subclinical form of intestinal infection not giving much of bowel symptoms.