What happens if you have internal bleeding

It can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Some people with internal bleeding will also have low blood pressure because of the constant blood loss. This is known as orthostatic hypotension. Common symptoms include feeling dizzy or light-headed when you stand. Also, diagnosing the cause may be easier if you have a condition that can lead to internal bleeding, such as gastritis. However, not every case of internal bleeding is so clear-cut.

Finding the source of internal bleeding may take some time and require a thorough physical examination. Diagnosing an internal bleed usually requires medical tests, a physical exam, and a thorough review of your medical history. Your doctor may use lab tests and imaging tools to both identify the cause of your internal bleeding and measure the severity.

An X-ray shows an image of your bones. A CT scan is an advanced X-ray that can see bones, tissues, and blood vessels. Angiography is an imaging test that can carefully examine individual blood vessels. The first goal of treatment is to find the source of the bleeding and stop it. Some bleeding can be minor and may stop on its own. Other cases are more severe and may require more in-depth measures, including surgery.

Rest gives your body time to heal while it reabsorbs the blood and the inflammation decreases. A few additional treatment techniques may be necessary for slow bleeds once the cause is identified and treated.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. First-Aid Treatment. First Aid. Test your knowledge. Fractures to one or more facial structures can result from a single injury.

Jaw fractures may occur to the mandible, or lower jaw, or to the maxilla, bone of the upper jaw. Other structures susceptible to fracture include the eye sockets, nose, and cheek bones. Diaphoresis , or profuse, heavy sweating that isn't caused by heat or exertion, is common with internal bleeding as well as other medical emergencies. It's common for people to display guarding when internal bleeding occurs. Guarding is an unconscious attempt to keep another person or physician from touching a region of the body that is tender or bleeding.

Bruising in some regions of the body is sometimes a specific sign of internal bleeding. Bruising around the umbilicus belly button is referred to as Cullen's sign, and suggests internal bleeding in the abdomen. Bruising on the flanks between the rib cage and hips on the side of the abdomen is known as Grey Turner's sign and also suggest bleeding in the abdomen or retroperitoneal space cavity towards the back of the abdomen where the kidneys lie.

Bruising in other regions ecchymosis also suggest internal bleeding, such as when extensive bruising occurs on the extremities associated with an underlying fracture. Change in Mental Status or Loss of Consciousness. A change in mental status or total loss of consciousness often means that a significant amount of blood has been lost with the exception of head injuries or bleeding into the brain , and should be considered an emergency.

Internal bleeding in specific regions of the body may also lead to other symptoms. Brain and Spinal Cord. Bleeding into the brain often causes a severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Weakness on one side of the body or changes in vision may occur.

As bleeding progresses, changes in mental status such as confusion and disorientation may occur, followed by loss of consciousness. Seizures may also occur. Bleeding into the chest may cause a number of different symptoms depending on the specific location. Bleeding into the airways can cause a gasping cough. Coughing up blood hemoptysis , even just a teaspoon, is a medical emergency, and massive hemoptysis coughing up a fourth of a cup of blood or more has a high mortality rate.

Shortness of breath may occur with bleeding anywhere in the chest. Bleeding between the membranes that surround the heart pericardial effusion can restrict the motion of the heart, causing cardiac tamponade.

When a lung is punctured and collapses pneumothorax , bruising may be noted diffusely on the chest and neck. The skin over the neck and upper abdomen may also feel crinkly, like bubble wrap, due the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues.

With blood in the chest hemothorax , pain usually changes significantly when people move into different positions. Bleeding into the abdomen may result in swelling of the abdomen and diffuse pain. When a doctor places a stethoscope on the abdomen, bowel sounds may be absent. As noted earlier, bruising around the umbilicus or on the flank strongly suggests internal bleeding. Certainly, bleeding into the esophagus or stomach may induce vomiting blood, while bleeding in the lower digestive tract may cause rectal bleeding.

Retroperitoneal Area. Bleeding from the kidneys and other tissues in the retroperitoneal region may cause blood to appear in urine. Symptoms of shock may occur before any specific symptoms are noted, as large amounts of blood may be lost in this region before any specific symptoms occur. Bones, Joints, and Muscles. Bleeding associated with bones, joints, and soft tissues may cause extensive bruising. It may also, however, result in skin that is very pale and tight when compartment syndrome occurs.

Pain is very common, as well as decreased mobility of joints as the joint space or surrounding areas fill with blood and swell. Bleeding can cause different symptoms or raise special concerns in some groups of people. In addition to the underlying cause of bleeding, blood loss itself may result in further complications.

Unlike adults, children may not be able to express some of the symptoms of internal bleeding noted above. Instead of complaining of pain, they may become fussy, cry continually, or become difficult to console.

They may have a poor appetite, or refuse to eat completely. Changes in mental status can be very important to note. A child who normally loves to play may become lethargic. Neurological symptoms can also be challenging to discern. Instead of complaining of blurry vision, a child may walk into a wall. Instead of complaining of extremity pain, they may begin to limp.

Bleeding during pregnancy is never normal, and any significant pain in the pelvis should be investigated immediately. Early on in pregnancy, the most common cause is a miscarriage, although ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening cause. If an object is embedded in the wound, do not remove it.

Apply pressure around the object. Do not apply a tourniquet. If blood saturates the initial dressing, do not remove it. Add fresh padding over the top and secure with a bandage. Internal bleeding — visible The most common type of visible internal bleed is a bruise, when blood from damaged blood vessels leaks into the surrounding skin.

Some types of internal injury can cause visible bleeding from an orifice body opening. For example: bowel injury — bleeding from the anus head injury — bleeding from the ears or nose lung injury — coughing up frothy, bloodied sputum spit urinary tract injury — blood in the urine.

An internal injury can sometimes cause bleeding that remains contained within the body; for example, within the skull or abdominal cavity.

Listen carefully to what the person tells you about their injury — where they felt the impact, for example. They may display the signs and symptoms of shock. In the case of a head injury, they may display the signs and symptoms of concussion. Therefore, it is important to ask the right questions to collect the relevant information. Symptoms of concealed internal bleeding The signs and symptoms that suggest concealed internal bleeding depend on where the bleeding is inside the body, but may include: pain at the injured site swollen, tight abdomen nausea and vomiting pale, clammy, sweaty skin breathlessness extreme thirst unconsciousness.

Some signs and symptoms specific to concussion caused by trauma to the head include: headache or dizziness loss of memory, particularly of the event confusion altered state of consciousness wounds on the head face and scalp nausea and vomiting. Internal bleeding is a medical emergency First aid cannot manage or treat any kind of internal bleeding. Prompt medical help is vital. Suggestions include: Check for danger before approaching the person.

Check that the person is conscious. Cover them with a blanket or something to keep them warm. Offer reassurance. Manage any other injuries, if possible. If the person becomes unconscious, place them on their side.