Cytogenetics and the evolution of medical genetics
Internal Bleeding: Causes, Treatments, And More
Internal bleeding occurs within your body, such as inside the stomach or the brain. Bleeding internally is often the result of trauma or an injury, but there are rarer causes.
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. 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:
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.
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
Internal bleeding in your chest or abdomen
Internal bleeding into your muscles or joints
Other symptoms
It's possible to experience shock in some cases of internal bleeding.
This is especially true if internal bleeding occurs in locations where a substantial amount of blood can be lost, such as your chest, abdomen, or thigh. Shock occurs when there's not enough blood to supply your whole body.
Symptoms of shock include:
The presence of other underlying conditions may help doctors identify if you're losing blood somewhere.
For example,anemia is commonly associated with a slow and chronic 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.
Sometimes, identifying what's causing internal bleeding can be simple. If you've been involved in an accident or had a recent injury, the bleeding is likely the result of that event.
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.
General causes
More serious causes
No matter the cause, it's important that you get medical attention. Minor internal bleeding can quickly become more serious if the cause isn't identified and treated quickly.
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.
For injuries, an imaging test may be all that's necessary. 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.
If the cause of the bleeding isn't easily determined, your doctor may order several medical tests to help identify what's bleeding and why.
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:
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.
Depending on the severity, untreated internal bleeding can lead to organ failure, coma, and in some cases death. Even with treatment, severe internal bleeding can result in death.
It's very important to identify and treat internal bleeding early in order to avoid any complications.
It's important to find and treat the cause and risk factors that may lead to internal bleeding. Without quick treatment, you may experience lasting effects.
For example, bleeding in the brain may cause a stroke or long-term brain damage. You may need physical, occupational, and speech therapy to relearn certain behaviors and activities. These therapies may also help prevent future tears or blood vessel damage.
If internal bleeding is caught, diagnosed, and treated appropriately, the outlook is positive. Many people can make a full recovery. Additional treatments may be necessary to prevent a future bleed, but few lasting effects will remain.
5 Deadly Signs Of Internal Bleeding You Must Know Today
Medical experts reveal the critical warning signs and life-saving actions everyone should know about this potentially fatal condition
When most people think about bleeding, they imagine visible wounds and blood-stained bandages. However, internal bleeding poses a far more dangerous threat precisely because it often goes unnoticed until the situation becomes critical. This form of hemorrhaging occurs when blood vessels break inside the body, causing blood to leak into tissues and organs rather than flowing through the circulatory system.
Common causes that might surprise youInternal bleeding can result from various circumstances, ranging from everyday accidents to serious medical conditions. Trauma from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries often causes this condition, with the impact damaging blood vessels and organs. Less obvious causes include medication side effects, particularly blood thinners, which can increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding.
Certain medical conditions also raise the likelihood of internal bleeding. High blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls over time, while conditions like hemophilia impair the body's natural clotting abilities. Even seemingly minor activities can trigger bleeding in people with these underlying conditions.
Recognizing the warning signs before it's too lateThe symptoms of internal bleeding vary depending on the location and severity of the hemorrhage. In the early stages, a person might experience unexplained weakness, dizziness, or fatigue. The skin may become pale and clammy as the body loses blood volume. Bruising that appears without apparent injury can indicate bleeding beneath the surface.
More specific symptoms emerge based on the affected area. Bleeding in the brain can cause severe headaches, confusion, and speech difficulties. Abdominal bleeding often presents with pain, swelling, and nausea. When blood collects in the chest cavity, breathing becomes labored and painful.
The critical timeline that could save your lifeThe progression of internal bleeding follows a potentially deadly timeline. In severe cases, such as rupture of a major blood vessel, unconsciousness can occur within minutes, and death may follow within an hour without immediate medical intervention. However, slower bleeds might develop over days or weeks, gradually weakening the person while masking the underlying emergency.
The body can typically compensate for blood loss initially, maintaining vital organ function through various mechanisms. However, once blood loss exceeds 30-40% of total volume, these compensatory mechanisms begin to fail. At this point, the situation becomes critical, with survival depending on immediate medical care.
Life-saving first aid responsesWhile definitive treatment requires professional medical care, knowing the right first aid steps can buy precious time. The primary goal is to keep the person stable until emergency services arrive. Help the injured person lie down and stay still to minimize blood loss. Elevate their legs if possible to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Never give food or drink to someone you suspect has internal bleeding, as this could complicate emergency surgery if needed. Keep the person warm with blankets to prevent shock, and monitor their breathing and consciousness level. Most importantly, call emergency services immediately if you suspect internal bleeding.
Modern medical interventionsToday's medical treatments for internal bleeding have advanced significantly. Emergency departments use sophisticated imaging technology like CT scans and ultrasound to quickly locate bleeding sites. Treatment options range from minimally invasive procedures using catheters to guide clotting agents directly to the bleeding source, to traditional surgery for more severe cases.
The introduction of specialized clotting factors and advanced blood products has revolutionized treatment, particularly for patients with bleeding disorders. These innovations have dramatically improved survival rates, especially when treatment begins promptly.
Prevention strategies that workWhile not all cases of internal bleeding can be prevented, several strategies can reduce risk. For those taking blood thinners, strict adherence to medication schedules and regular monitoring can prevent dangerous fluctuations in blood levels. Wearing appropriate safety gear during sports and following traffic safety laws significantly reduces trauma-related bleeding risk.
Regular medical check-ups help identify and manage conditions that increase bleeding risk. This includes monitoring blood pressure and getting appropriate screening tests based on age and risk factors. Simple lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, can also play a crucial role in prevention.
The emerging understanding of internal bleeding continues to shape both medical treatment and public health approaches. As research advances, new prevention strategies and treatment options offer hope for better outcomes. However, the key to survival remains unchanged: recognizing the warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention when internal bleeding is suspected. This silent but dangerous condition requires vigilance from both medical professionals and the public to ensure the best possible outcomes for those affected.
Haemophilia B: The Rare Disorder That Might Be Hiding Behind Your Bruises
Have you ever wondered why you seem to bruise more easily than others, even without bumping into anything? Maybe it's not just fragile skin or random clumsiness. If those purple marks show up too often or stick around too long, they could indicate Haemophilia B, a rare bleeding disorder that goes undiagnosed. This disorder can quietly affect how your body handles even the smallest injuries.
We spoke to Dr Rajmadhangi D, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai, who explained this condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment measures.
What is Haemophilia B?"People with Haemophilia B suffer from abnormal blood clotting when their bodies cannot produce sufficient levels of the necessary protein clotting factor IX, also known as factor 9. This condition is often called Christmas disease, named after Stephen Christmas, the first person diagnosed with it," explained Dr Rajmadhangi.
Haemophilia B occurrence is somewhat lower compared to Haemophilia A. The genetic condition affects mainly males because the responsible X chromosome gene does not commonly appear in females, who may carry the condition and exhibit mild symptoms.
According to StatPearls, haemophilia is found globally at a rate of 1 in 1,25,000 individuals. The prevalence of haemophilia B is 3.8 cases per 1,00,000 live males and 5 cases per 1,00,000 males born. The incidence is consistent across all ethnic groups. However, consanguinity can notably raise the frequency of cases within certain communities.
Also Read: Gene Therapy: Expert Explains How It Can Help Deal With Critical Cases Of Haematology
Why Does It Cause Easy Bruising?"Small blood vessels beneath the skin surface break because of physical contact, and blood spreads through adjacent tissues. Blood clot formation usually occurs in the body to stop bleeding immediately. The absence of factor IX delays the stopping of bleeding in Haemophilia B patients even when they experience minor vessel injuries," added Dr Rajmadhangi.
Those living with Haemophilia B usually have large or mysterious bruises because they cannot remember specific incidents that caused them. Bruising is typically the first indication of the condition emerging in childhood.
Other Symptoms To Watch ForThe main sign of Haemophilia B appears as easy bruising, but the condition leads to various bleeding-related complications.
People with Haemophilia B show different levels of disease severity because some cases produce only minor symptoms, and others result in random bleeding events.
Also Read: The Hidden Battle Of Haemophiliac Women: Why Do Women Go Undiagnosed?
Diagnosis and Why Early Detection Matters"Blood tests that check clotting factor concentration help medical professionals diagnose Haemophilia B. The identification of haemophilia during its early stages remains vital because untreated bleeding could produce dangerous health issues, including severe joint damage and fatal internal bleeding, alongside muscle bleeds," added Dr Rajmadhangi.
Visiting a doctor becomes essential whenever you notice your child or yourself getting bruises easily, spending too long bleeding, or having inherited blood clotting issues.
Treatment OptionsTreatment of Haemophilia B utilises replacement therapy that requires factor IX concentrates administered to people through their bloodstream to enable sufficient blood clotting. People with severe Haemophilia B receive factor IX concentrates both as needed during episodes of excessive bleeding and as a preventive measure in serious cases.
BottomlineDr Rajmadhangi concluded, "Haemophilia B patients can achieve full lives when their condition receives proper management care. The essential components in managing Haemophilia B include preventive care services and physiotherapy programs, along with healthcare providers and family support systems. The apparent safety of easy bruising serves as an indication for this unconventional disorder, so timely diagnosis and treatment help prevent devastating consequences and maintain good health."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]
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