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What Casues Abdominal Distention After A Heimlich Maneuver?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Question: Hello. I have a similar question to one I just saw. My husband had to give me the Heimlich maneuver on Monday for a choking incident I had. Went to the ED yesterday - imaging revealed a crack in the eighth rib. For the last two days have noticed distended abdomen. Imaging also showed some gas bubbles and fecal matter. I did have an irritable bowel- type episode on Monday – had no BM's for two days and took milk of magnesia with results yesterday. Abdominal bloating is not uncommon for me, but I can usually suck it in so to speak pretty well – I am unable to do that pretty much. Appreciate your help – I did mention the abdominal distention to the nurse but she didn't really say anything and the doctor didn't. If there were some underlying reason with the imaging revealed it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Rib fracture is the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Since, you had a clear motion on Thursday; it is a good sign of healthy abdomen. You are not able to speak properly because of fracture rib. My suggestion would be walk, talk and sneeze slowly. It will take 2-3 weeks for fracture to become sticky. Along with Tylenol wearing a belt (rib belt) will help in reduction of pain.
Nothing is hidden by imaging studies, so relax.
Hope this answers your query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (40 minutes later)
Thanks for your quick response. But why would the abdomen be distended because of a rib fracture?? Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you and you are welcome.
Since you have a motion that rule out any serious abdomen problem. The distended abdomen could be because of other reasons like-Diet and eating quickly without much chewing leads to ingestion of air along with food.
You may ask for Enema, to clear bowel.
Hope this suffices.
Regards
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mukesh Chugh

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :1997

Answered : 1619 Questions

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What Casues Abdominal Distention After A Heimlich Maneuver?

Brief Answer: Rib fracture is the cause Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for posting I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Since, you had a clear motion on Thursday; it is a good sign of healthy abdomen. You are not able to speak properly because of fracture rib. My suggestion would be walk, talk and sneeze slowly. It will take 2-3 weeks for fracture to become sticky. Along with Tylenol wearing a belt (rib belt) will help in reduction of pain. Nothing is hidden by imaging studies, so relax. Hope this answers your query. Take care