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       # Abdomen Injuries and Wounds
       
       ## When to suspect abdomen injury
       
       If the belly has suffered a blow, such as from a hard fall, vehicle
       accident, or getting hit or kicked, look for bruises which are signs
       of bleeding trapped in the body.  Too much bleeding inside the body
       can lead to shock.  Also watch for these signs of serious injury to
       the abdomen:
       
       ## Danger signs
       
       * Severe pain
       * Confusion
       * Belly hard like a board, or growing larger
       * Signs of blood loss: feeling faint, growing pale, fast pulse
       
       For any of these danger signs, treat for shock and get help.  Do not
       give any food or drink.  See Belly Pain, Diarrhea, and Worms in
       *Where There Is No Doctor* for more on emergencies of the abdomen.
       
 (DIR) shock
 (HTM) belly pain
       
       If part of the gut spills out of the body, cover it with a clean
       cloth soaked in lightly salted water and get help.  Do not push the
       guts back in.
       
 (IMG) Exposed gut
       
       ## An object sticking out of the body
       
       For an object sticking out of the abdomen, it is usually safest to
       leave it in and get help.  Even if help is days away, do not pull out
       the object.  Secure it in place with bandages or fabric.
       
 (IMG) Impaled in the gut
       
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