<human>: This past Friday I was in a motorcycle crash in which I broke 4 lower left ribs. I am told that is just going to take time and there is really nothing I can do... I feel like my abdomen is blouted... Is this normal and is there anything I can do for it?
<bot>: Hi. Thanks for your query. This is not normal. The bloating of the abdomen with a history of an accident which has broken lower ribs indicate investigation to see whether there is any internal injury to the abdominal viscera. I would advise you the following:Be nil orally till you are declared OK on investigations. X-ray abdomen in a standing position to see any gas under diaphragm; this is the cheapest and the simplest investigation to see is there any perforation of the intestines, ground glass appearance of the abdomen in peritonitis or collection of blood. Ultrasonography of abdomen along with CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Once the reports are there and the clinical / physical examination is normal-wait and watch. If there are positive findings, exploratory laparoscopy is then needed and proper surgical treatment instituted.