Abdominal Injury (Child)

Home care

• The doctor may prescribe medicines for pain. Follow the doctor's directions when giving these medicines to your child. Don't give your child additional or other pain medicine unless you check with your child's doctor.

• Comfort your child as needed. Help your child find positions that are more comfortable. 

• Play music or read to the child to help distract them from any pain.

• Hold your child carefully so that you don't put pressure on the injured area.

• Follow any directions about whether or not to give your child food.

• Watch for signs of shock (see below).

• Follow your doctor's instructions about activities. Restrict all strenuous physical activities and sports until your doctor says it is safe to resume them.

Follow-up care

Follow up as advised with your child's doctor. If any X-rays, imaging, or lab tests were done, you will be informed about the results. Talk to your doctor about which activities will be safe for your child, including returning to school and sports.

Special note to parents

Health care providers are trained to recognize injuries like this in young children as a sign of possible abuse. Several providers may ask questions about how your child was injured. They must, by law, ask you these questions. This is done for protection of your child. Please try to be patient and not take offense.

When to get medical advice

Contact your child's doctor right away if any of the following occur:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the doctor

• Continuing abdominal (belly) tenderness or pain

• Poor appetite

• Vomiting

Call 911

Call 911 if your child has:

• Blood in their vomit, urine (pink to dark red), or stool (dark red or black).

• Weakness, dizziness, or fainting.

• Any signs of shock. These include pale or bluish coloring, cool skin, listlessness (lacking energy), rapid heartbeat, or rapid shallow breathing.

• Belly (abdominal) swelling.

• Belly tenderness or pain that gets worse.

• Numbness, tingling, weakness, or cold sensations anywhere in their body.