This sustained “boys being boys” culture is popular on social media. This consists of roughhousing and trading blows with one another, to name a few. In many cases, these traded strikes will cause mild abdominal pain or bruising. Unfortunately, we can’t say this for all blows. In some instances, strikes on specific body parts can have lasting effects and serious injury. Some could even prove fatal, like what happened to the Legendary escape artist Harry Houdini in 1926. In addition, even if there aren’t any effects on the outside, there could be some blunt force trauma sustained on the inside of the body. One question we’ll examine today is, can a punch to the stomach cause internal bleeding? Let’s investigate.
What Is Internal Bleeding?
Medically termed “haemorrhaging,” internal bleeding involves internal blood loss, contrasting with the more readily observed external bleeding from a wound. Typically arising from physical trauma inflicted upon a specific area of the body, it involves the impairment of blood vessels and the consequential disruption of the body’s natural circulatory processes. The repercussions of internal bleeding can be profound, marked by a substantial loss of blood that might even culminate in anaemia.
Is It Serious?
Blood loss and lack of blood circulation are medical emergencies. When blood vessels are damaged or ruptured, the body’s ability to control clotting is compromised, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. In individuals with standard blood clotting mechanisms, the body can usually form clots to stop bleeding and repair the damaged vessels.
However, for those with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners, the risk of excessive bleeding and inadequate clotting increases significantly. Conditions like haemophilia, characterised by a deficiency in clotting factors, can exacerbate internal bleeding and pose life-threatening risks. Additionally, platelet deficiencies can impair clot formation and worsen the severity of internal bleeding. In severe internal bleeding and significant blood loss, blood transfusions may be necessary to restore adequate blood volume and maintain proper oxygen delivery to vital organs.
How long can you live with internal bleeding? In the most severe cases, a person may die in a mere six hours.
Different Types
Common causes of internal bleeding mainly result from an injury, which could either be blunt trauma or piercing trauma.
Blunt Injury
Blunt injuries or trauma take place when a part of the body smashes into something else with great force. The force then ruptures, tears, or crushes the blood vessels within the body part. Examples include falling from a height, car accidents, and possibly a powerful punch in the stomach. The last one is common in a sucker punch, street fight, karate, muay Thai, martial arts, MMA, or kickboxing. Even the American National Library of Medicine published a study on managing severe injuries in such athletic events. It has multiple references, including the Sports Injuries: Examination, Imaging, and Management, written in London, England.
Penetrating Injury
Penetrating injuries or piercing trauma happen when an object pierces straight through the body. This type of injury creates a direct hold on the many vessels it hits. Examples of this type of injury include being shot by a gun or stabbed by a knife. Either of these may cause any of the common minor abdominal injuries, which are perforation, abrasions, or contusions.
Vulnerable Organs
Internal bleeding can occur if there is an underlying vulnerability in the abdominal organs. Some individuals may have preexisting conditions that make them more susceptible to injury, such as
- peptic ulcers
- colitis
- weakened blood vessels
Peptic ulcers, for instance, can erode the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, creating an environment where a punch could potentially lead to bleeding. Below are some of the crucial organs to check for internal bleeding from severe trauma.
Liver
The liver is dangerous to injure because it contains many large blood vessels. This causes significant blood to gush internally, resulting in several symptoms, including a swollen abdomen. The liver is essential to people because one of its vital functions is helping break down and balance proteins and nutrients. Can a liver punch kill you? The answer is yes if the damage is extensive enough. People can’t live without a liver.
Spleen
Damage to the spleen is more commonly referred to as a ruptured spleen. This organ helps people’s bodies stave off infections. It also helps to remove and filter old or damaged red blood cells.
Pancreas
The pancreas is vital in digestion and blood sugar regulation and is often associated with diabetes.
Can a Stomach Punch Cause Internal Bleeding?
Many people wonder about the potential for internal bleeding from physical blows to the abdomen. The human body is a complex system with various organs, including the stomach, intestines, esophagus, and more. While a punch to the abdominal area is unlikely to cause internal bleeding in healthy individuals directly, there are certain circumstances where it can become a concern.
The Resilient Abdominal Wall
The abdominal cavity is lined with a robust structure of abdominal muscles and tissues that protect the internal organs significantly. In most cases, a typical punch to the stomach is absorbed by this protective layer without causing serious harm. However, excessive force or repeated trauma to the abdomen can lead to injury or complications. The stomach itself contains many blood vessels, and trauma to this area can cause severe pain and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Symptoms When Bleeding Internally
It is not easy to identify whether a person has internal haemorrhaging. However, there are several possible signs and symptoms to look out for. There are many possible signs of internal bleeding. These include:
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness or passing out
- Feeling weak
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Hypotension or low blood pressure
- Tachycardia or increased heart rate
Symptoms of Internal Stomach Bleeding
When it comes to internal bleeding stomach symptoms, there are some particular ones that people should look out for. These symptoms include:
- Vomiting blood or material that resembles coffee grounds (often described as “tarry”)
- Bright blood in vomit
- Passing bloody stools
- An internal bleeding bruise on the stomach
- Cramps in the abdomen
Aneurysms and Blood Vessels
The presence of an aneurysm, a weakened and bulging blood vessel, is another factor to consider for internal bleeding. While rare, an abdominal aneurysm can be susceptible to rupture from physical trauma. In such cases, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial as this can be life-threatening.
Risk Factors of Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can occur due to various factors and conditions, making it essential to understand the risk factors. While internal bleeding can result from traumatic events like broken bones or organ damage, there are also underlying medical conditions and situations that increase the risk of experiencing internal bleeding.
Trauma and Injury
Accidents and physical trauma, such as car crashes, falls, or sports injuries, are common causes of internal bleeding. Broken bones, for example, can puncture nearby blood vessels, causing significant bleeding. Motor vehicle accidents are also the top causes of abdominal injury that trigger the presence of peritonitis (swelling and inflammation) and abdominal trauma to the internal organs.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can make individuals more susceptible to internal bleeding. These include:
Aortic Aneurysms: Aneurysms in the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, can weaken over time and rupture, resulting in extensive internal bleeding.
Ectopic Pregnancy: When a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the tube to rupture.
Organ Failure: Individuals with organ failure, particularly liver or kidney failure, may experience problems with blood clotting.
Medications
Some medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs, can interfere with the body’s ability to form blood clots. While these medications are often prescribed to prevent conditions like strokes or heart attacks, they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Age and Gender
Age can be a factor in the risk of internal bleeding. Older adults may have weakened blood vessels, making them more susceptible to rupture. Additionally, gender can play a role, as conditions like ectopic pregnancy primarily affect individuals who are assigned as females at birth.
Underlying Health Conditions
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions, such as clotting disorders or gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, may be at higher risk for internal bleeding. These conditions can affect the integrity of blood vessels or the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the likelihood of bleeding.
Identifying and Treating Internal Bleeding
Whether it’s a result of trauma, an underlying medical condition, or other factors, identifying the signs and proper responses can make a significant difference in addressing this potentially life-threatening situation effectively.
Diagnostic Tests
Physical examination and different tests can be used to diagnose internal bleeding and assess its severity. Some of the standard tests include:
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It effectively detects internal bleeding in various areas, such as the brain, abdomen, or chest.
Imaging Tests: In addition to CT scans, imaging tests, such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or ultrasound, may be employed to visualise the affected areas and identify signs of internal bleeding.
X-ray: While X-rays are not as sensitive as CT scans or MRIs in detecting internal bleeding, they can still be helpful, especially in bone fractures that may accompany internal bleeding.
Angiography: Angiography involves injecting a contrast dye into blood vessels and taking X-rays to visualise blood flow and identify areas of abnormal bleeding. It is commonly used to detect internal bleeding in blood vessels or organs like the gastrointestinal tract. For treatment, when the bleeding is not that serious, it will eventually go away on its own, and the person will heal right up. In this case, the best thing to do is rest and control the symptoms as much as possible. If symptoms do not go away, or if they worsen, it may be time to head to the doctor. Treatment will usually include surgery.
Best Places to Hit Someone During a Fight
In truth, violence should never be the first choice of action when handling an altercation. However, there are cases where self-defence comes into play. When this happens, you must know the best place to hit someone.
Even a belly punch can have grave and fatal circumstances that people will likely regret. This can be said for most areas as well. If a punch is hard enough, or even if it is just a freak accident, serious injuries could happen.
In these cases, if you are looking for a safe place to hit, aim for the fleshy part of the upper arm. If the assailant doesn’t stop coming, though you fear for your life, it may be best to grapple them and get them to submit instead.
First Aid for Internal Bleeding
Disclaimer: These are guidelines only and do not replace medical advice. Seek medical assistance in an emergency.
Internal bleeding is a serious medical condition, and providing first aid is beyond the scope of laypersons. Instead, follow these general first-aid steps:
- Call for Emergency Medical Help: Contact the nearest emergency room or triple zero (000 in Australia).
- Stay with the Person: If it is safe, stay with the affected person and keep them calm and reassured while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.
- Do Not Give Anything to Drink: Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink, as they might require surgery or other medical procedures that a full stomach could complicate.
- Keep the Person Still: Encourage the person to lie down and avoid unnecessary movement to prevent further complications.
- Control External Bleeding: If external bleeding from wounds occurs, apply direct pressure to the bleeding site with a clean cloth or sterile dressing. Do not attempt to control internal bleeding directly.
- Do Not Provide Medications: Do not give the person any medications, including pain relievers, as they might interfere with medical treatments.
- Prevent Hypothermia: Keep the person warm with blankets or clothing to prevent hypothermia, but do not apply direct heat to the injured area.
See the Unseen
Treating a bleeding wound demands careful attention, but internal bleeding within our bodies requires more concern and immediate action. Because internal bleeding is hidden, it is essential to spot its signs and symptoms. Catching it early can potentially save lives.
What does internal bleeding look like? In many cases, it starts with signs of bruising. In other cases, it is accompanied by bleeding from certain orifices like the anus, ears, nose, and others.
Given how dangerous it is, we hope that this will allow you to make an informed decision about belly punching or getting punched in the stomach. Because this type of bleeding is so severe, it is also essential to know its first aid practices. These include laying a person down and raising their legs over their heart. Learn more about what to do in this and many more situations through CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course. The HLTAID011 Provide First Aid provides a solid foundation for first aid skills and knowledge.
FAQs
Is bleeding under the skin serious?
The severity of bleeding beneath the skin can vary. Generally, minor bruising is not a major concern, but if you experience unexplained or extensive bruising, especially in conjunction with other unusual symptoms, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional for a proper assessment.
Can a patient survive internal bleeding?
A patient’s chance of survival depends on various factors, including the cause, location, and promptness of medical intervention. Timely medical attention is crucial, as some cases of internal bleeding can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What part of the body bleeds the most?
Organs with extensive blood supplies, such as the liver, spleen, or major blood vessels, can potentially lead to more severe internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if there’s any suspicion of internal bleeding to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can an abdominal hematoma be fatal?
An abdominal hematoma can indeed be fatal, particularly if it leads to severe internal bleeding or affects vital organs. Quick medical attention is vital to evaluate and manage the condition, as it may require surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Can you have a brain bleed and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have a brain bleed and not be aware of it initially. Some brain bleeds from a head injury or intracranial hemorrhage may not cause noticeable symptoms immediately, but they can become serious over time, especially in cases of an aneurysm, which is a weakened blood vessel that can rupture and lead to a brain bleed.