What is a blunt abdominal injury?

A blunt abdominal injury occurs when the abdomen is hit by a strong force or blow that does not break the skin.

The injury is most commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents.

How is it caused? {#overview}

What are the symptoms? {#symptoms}

How is a blunt abdominal injury diagnosed and treated? {#treatment}

## How is it caused? {#overview}
A blunt abdominal injury is an injury caused by an object hitting your abdomen (tummy) without piercing your skin. It’s most commonly caused by car accidents, but other causes include falls and being hit by someone. 

A blunt abdominal injury can damage different parts of your abdomen, from the abdominal wall to its blood vessels and the organs it holds.

But the exact injuries you develop tends to depend on how much pressure was put on your body. 

## What are the symptoms? {#symptoms}
The symptoms you can expect from a blunt abdominal injury usually depend on how much damage the injury caused and which organs were injured. Common organs that may be damaged by this type of injury are your spleen, liver and bowels. 

Symptoms of a blunt abdominal injury may include: 

- pain in your tummy, especially when you touch it
- bleeding from your bottom 
- pain in your shoulder or back
- shortness of breath
- a fast heart rate
- dizziness or feeling faint
- tummy bloating 


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## How is a blunt abdominal injury diagnosed and treated? {#treatment}
A doctor will usually diagnose a blunt abdominal injury based on your symptoms and how you got the injury. They may also do an [ultrasound](/health-library/medical-exams/ultrasound-scan) or [CT scan](/health-library/medical-exams/ct-scan) to check for organ damage.

If you have a blunt abdominal injury, you'll usually need to be treated in hospital. You may be given oxygen and fluids, especially if you’re bleeding.

In some cases, you may need surgery to stop the bleeding.


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References

Dr Ann Nainan

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Adiele Hoffman

Article information

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A blunt abdominal injury is an injury caused by an object hitting your abdomen (tummy) without piercing your skin. Here’s all you need to know about the symptoms of a blunt abdominal injury and how to treat it. 