While your abdominal wall (skin and muscles) can certainly bruise, internal organs within your abdomen do not bruise visibly. Instead, a strong impact can cause severe internal trauma to these organs, a distinct and often more serious injury. This distinction is crucial for understanding the potential implications of an abdominal injury.
Understanding What a Bruise Is
A bruise forms when small blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. This allows blood to leak and pool in the surrounding tissues. The trapped blood causes the discoloration and tenderness associated with a bruise.
Initially reddish, a bruise changes color over several days as the body reabsorbs the blood, often becoming blue, purple, or black, then progressing to green and yellow hues. Bruises typically resolve within one to two weeks, though larger bruises or hematomas (collections of blood) may take longer.
Abdominal Wall Bruising
The abdominal wall is susceptible to bruising from direct physical impact. Common causes include bumping into objects, falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. These external bruises show discoloration (red, purple, or blue) and are often accompanied by localized pain and tenderness.
Swelling may also be present. Most abdominal wall bruises are superficial and heal like other bruises. However, a significant impact can lead to a hematoma, a larger collection of blood that causes more pain and takes longer to resolve. External signs, especially after an accident, can indicate serious underlying issues.
Internal Abdominal Organ Injury
Beyond the abdominal wall, the abdomen houses numerous organs like the stomach, liver, and spleen. Unlike external bruises, these internal organs do not bruise visibly but can sustain severe trauma from blunt force. High-impact incidents such as car accidents, significant falls, or direct blows are common causes.
Internal organ injury often involves bleeding within the abdominal cavity or into the organ itself, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain radiating to the shoulder, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, pale skin, a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, or a distended abdomen. Blood in the urine or stool also signals potential damage.
When to Seek Medical Care
Prompt medical attention is crucial for any abdominal injury, especially after a significant impact. Seek immediate evaluation for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, or abdominal swelling and tenderness. Urgent care is also required for signs of internal bleeding, such as rapid heart rate, dizziness, pale skin, or blood in stool or vomit. If the injury resulted from a high-impact incident (e.g., car accident) or if you cannot pass gas or have a bowel movement, seek medical attention. A doctor will perform a physical examination and order imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) to assess internal injuries.