“Internal bleeding is a condition where blood leaks from the blood vessels inside the body but is not visible from the outside. This can happen due to a number of reasons, such as trauma, disease or other health conditions that affect the blood vessels, causing blood to leak out of the vessels instead of exiting the body,” says Dr Sonali Gautam, Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai (India).
Symptoms of internal bleeding
Symptoms of internal bleeding can vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding, but they often go unnoticed until the condition worsens. Common signs listed by Dr. Gautam include:
Unexplained bruises and pain: Bruises that have no known cause can be a sign of bleeding under the skin or in deeper tissues.
Dizziness and weakness: These symptoms can indicate significant blood loss, which reduces the oxygen supply to vital organs.
Changes in the body's excretion process: Black stools, bloody urine, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds are typical signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Neurological symptoms: Brain hemorrhage can manifest as severe headache, visual disturbances, or seizures.
Symptoms of shock: Confusion, rapid breathing, and low blood pressure are warning signs that your body is going into shock from losing too much blood.
Causes of internal bleeding
Internal bleeding can be the result of many factors, including trauma and medical conditions. Here are some of the factors listed by Dr. Gautam:
Trauma or impact: Strong impacts, falls, traffic accidents or trauma can rupture blood vessels inside the body and cause internal bleeding.
Medical conditions: Stomach ulcers, aneurysms (abnormal bulging of blood vessels), and certain cancers can erode blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding.
Medications: Blood thinners such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs can increase the risk of internal bleeding, especially in older adults or people with underlying medical conditions.
Surgical procedures: In rare cases, internal bleeding can occur as a complication of surgery or invasive medical procedures.
Treatment of internal bleeding
The approach to treatment of internal bleeding depends on the location, underlying cause, and severity. Prompt medical intervention is essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
Mild cases: Minor bleeding may resolve on its own with rest and close monitoring. Your doctor may recommend supportive care, including hydration and medications to aid recovery.
Blood transfusions and medications: Severe bleeding often requires blood transfusions to replace lost blood. Medications that promote clotting may also be used to stabilize the patient.
Minimally invasive procedures: Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, such as endoscopy or embolization, can identify and treat the source of bleeding without major surgery.
Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged blood vessels, remove damaged tissue, or address underlying conditions causing bleeding.
