Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hit in the chest by a dodgeball..?

Two days ago, I was hit in the sternum and the area between my chest and abdomen while playing dodgeball with my classmates.
Now I have a feeling of fullness in my stomach, poor appetite, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness.
Will this condition improve on its own, or do I need to seek medical attention immediately? Which specialty should I consult? Thank you!

Chen Xiaodi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/23

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Generally, the area between the sternum and the navel is referred to as the epigastric region.
An external force impacting this area can not only directly affect the stomach but may also transmit force to surrounding structures and the posterior abdominal cavity.
Therefore, organs such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, lungs, esophagus, intestines, spleen, pancreas, and even the heart could potentially be injured.
Although the force from a dodgeball thrown by an elementary school student is usually not very strong and may resolve on its own, if you experience symptoms such as a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, poor appetite, easy fatigue, or drowsiness, it is advisable to seek evaluation and treatment at a general surgery outpatient clinic for safety.

Reply Date: 2015/07/23

More Info

When you experience chest impact from a dodgeball, it's essential to pay close attention to your symptoms. The symptoms you describe—feeling a heaviness in your abdomen, decreased appetite, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness—could indicate a variety of issues, some of which may require medical attention.

Firstly, it's important to understand that blunt trauma to the chest can lead to several potential injuries, including bruising of the chest wall, damage to internal organs, or even more serious conditions like a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or internal bleeding. The symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the heaviness in your abdomen and fatigue, could be signs of an underlying issue that needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

In general, if you experience any of the following symptoms after a chest impact, you should seek medical attention immediately:
1. Severe pain: If the pain in your chest or abdomen worsens or becomes severe, it is crucial to get evaluated.

2. Difficulty breathing: If you have trouble breathing or feel short of breath, this could indicate a serious condition.

3. Persistent nausea or vomiting: If you feel nauseous or are vomiting, especially if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, this could signify a more serious problem.

4. Dizziness or fainting: Feeling lightheaded or faint can be a sign of internal bleeding or other serious issues.

5. Changes in heart rate: If you notice your heart racing or feeling irregular, this could also warrant immediate medical attention.

Given your current symptoms, it would be advisable to see a healthcare provider. You can start by visiting a primary care physician or an urgent care clinic. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to assess for any internal injuries.

In the meantime, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any worsening of your condition or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.
In conclusion, while some minor injuries may resolve on their own, the symptoms you are experiencing—especially the heaviness in your abdomen and fatigue—should not be ignored. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential injuries from blunt trauma. Seeking medical advice will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that any serious conditions are ruled out or treated promptly.

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