Blunt abdominal injuries, such as from a fall or a blow to the stomach, can cause severe bruising of the abdominal wall and bleeding from or rupture of the internal organs. These types of injuries are often caused by falls from a significant height or by automobile, bicycle, sledding, or skiing accidents in which the victim is thrown against an object or to the ground. Physical abuse is another possible cause of blunt abdominal injuries in children or adults.

Penetrating injuries result when a sharp object, such as a knife, or a projectile, such as a bullet, breaks through the wall of the abdomen. The risk of infection, bleeding, and organ damage is high if the object penetrates deep enough to enter the abdominal cavity.

After a minor abdominal injury, pain, nausea, or vomiting may occur, but these symptoms usually improve within a few minutes. Pain and other symptoms that continue, increase, or develop following an injury may mean organ damage has occurred.