While many of us often think of abdominal pain as something caused by more internal factors, in some cases, you can experience abdominal pain due to a blunt injury. While this health issue can sometimes heal on its own, in more serious cases, it may require an emergency room visit. In order to understand how this injury is caused and how you should address it, here is what you need to know about blunt abdominal injuries.
What is a Blunt Abdominal Injury?
This injury is one that is categorized as a direct hit to the abdominal region that does not cause or result in an open wound. If you experienced this type of injury, there is often concern over the safety of certain organs such as your liver, spleen, pancreas, or intestines, as well as the potential of internal bleeding.
Common Causes of Blunt Abdominal Injuries
The most common reason a person experiences a blunt abdominal injury tends to be from:
Motor vehicle accidents
Physical assault
Recreational activities, such as sports
Falls
What are the Symptoms of a Blunt Abdominal Injury?
Since this injury is not associated with an open wound, it's important to recognize the few symptoms that may result from it. Common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Redness or swelling of the abdomen
Visible bruises or scratches on the abdomen
When Does a Blunt Abdominal Injury Require an ER Visit?
In some cases, these injuries heal with the application of ice and limited activity.
However, the injury may be more serious and require an emergency room visit if the person:
Feels nauseous or is vomiting
Experience new/severe back pain
Has difficulty going to the bathroom
Notices blood in their urine or bowel movements.
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain associated with emergency symptoms, we are here to help. Contact Advance ER for more information about emergency care for abdominal pain in Dallas.