INTERNAL BLEEDING:SIGNS, CAUSES AND TREATMENT.

Internal bleeding is bleeding that occurs within your body. An injury that damages the outside of your body is easy to see. A cut or tear in your skin usually bleeds. You can see what’s hurt, and it’s easy to pinpoint what caused it.

Internal bleeding isn’t as easy to see or diagnose. Bleeding internally is often the result of trauma or an injury. Less obvious causes can result in internal bleeding, too. These include gastritis, organ damage, or a bleeding disorder.

In some cases, the bleeding may be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If you or someone you know suddenly develops the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. These could be symptoms of internal bleeding:

dizziness

severe weakness

passing out

low blood pressure

acute visual problems

numbness

weakness on one side of the body

severe headache

severe abdominal pain

shortness of breath

chest pain

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

You may notice bloody or dark vomit or stool. Occasionally, if the bleeding is behind the internal organs in the abdomen, you may have bruising around your navel or on the sides of your abdomen.

Other cases of internal bleeding can be less severe, but it’s still important you see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of internal bleeding

Internal bleeding is a symptom of an injury, condition, or disease. You won’t have internal bleeding without an underlying reason.

Recognizing the symptoms of internal bleeding can help you and your doctor understand what’s bleeding, why it’s bleeding, and what conditions could be contributing to the problem.

Internal bleeding in your head

This can cause:

weakness, usually on one side of your body

numbness, usually on one side of your body

tingling, especially in hands and feet

severe, sudden headache

difficulty swallowing or chewing

change in vision or hearing

loss of balance, coordination, and eye focus

difficulty speaking or understanding speech

difficulty writing

changes in overall alertness, including increases in sleepiness, lethargy, or stupor

loss of consciousness

Internal bleeding in your chest or abdomen

This can cause:

abdominal pain

shortness of breath

chest pain

dizziness, especially when standing

bruising around your navel or on the sides of your abdomen

nausea

vomiting

blood in urine

black, tarry stool

bleeding from another area, including ears, nose, mouth, or anus.

General causes

These can include:

Damage to a blood vessel. Minor tears can occur with an injury.

Clotting factors. Your body makes proteins to stop any bleeding if you’re cut or injured. If your body doesn’t make enough clotting factors, you may bleed freely.
Certain medications. Certain medications, like blood thinners, can prevent clotting and lead to severe bleeding if you’re injured or have an accident. Some over-the-counter medications, including aspirin, can damage the lining of your stomach.
Chronic high blood pressure. High blood pressure weakens blood vessel walls. Weak walls can form aneurysms that can rupture and bleed.
Inherited bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is a genetic condition that prevents your blood from properly clotting. A minor injury may bleed heavily if it’s not properly treated.

Treatment options

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.

When your doctor prescribes a treatment for internal bleeding, they’ll likely consider:

the severity of the cause
the organ or blood vessel that is injured
your overall health

In mild cases of internal bleeding, treatment typically involves rest and symptom control.

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.

However, some causes of internal bleeding need greater treatment. Surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding and clean out any pooled blood. The type of surgery you need depends on how severe the bleeding is, where the bleeding is, and your overall health.

After the bleeding stops, treatment will focus on repairing any damage and stabilizing your body.