Blunt Abdominal Injury in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
A blunt abdominal injury is a forceful blow to the abdomen without an open wound. Internal damage may not show up for weeks after your child's injury.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department for any of the following:
- Your child's skin is pale and feels cold.
- Your child is short of breath or has new shoulder pain.
- Your child has increased pain or tightness in his or her abdomen.
- Your child is dizzy or vomiting.
- Your child has blood in his or her urine or bowel movements.
Contact your child's healthcare provider if:
- Your child is not having bowel movements.
- Your child has fever.
- Your child has yellow eyes or skin.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's care or condition.
Medicines:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Limit your child's activity:
Have your child rest as directed. This will help decrease pain and prevent more injury. Ask your child's healthcare provider when your child can resume normal activities. The following activities will need to be stopped until your child's healthcare provider says it is okay:
- Gym class
- Sports
- Bicycle, skateboard, or scooter riding
- Activity where both of your child's feet are off the ground, such as jumping on a trampoline
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as directed:
Your child may need more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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