7 Signs of Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a scary condition because you may not know that it’s occurring before severe symptoms kick in. But if you have any sort of trauma—including blunt force trauma, deceleration injuries that can occur in an automobile accident, and even some bone fractures—knowing the symptoms of internal bleeding may help you catch a problem before it’s too late.
Centers Health Care has a look at seven signs and symptoms of internal bleeding.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
If blood loss is gradual, you may feel lightheaded when standing up due to a change in blood pressure. If it’s more severe, it will be more common in any position.
- Pain and Guarding
Blood irritating tissues and internal organs can cause either localized or widespread pain. Guarding, meanwhile, is an unconscious attempt by your body to keep someone from touching an injured area.
- Shortness of Breath
Internal bleeding leads to fewer red blood cells bringing oxygen to the heart and lungs, leading to a person having trouble breathing.
- Tingling in the Hands and/or Feet
Due to that lack of oxygen being distributed, the body will automatically try and redirect the oxygen that is there to vital organs, sometimes causing tingling in the extremities due to lack of blood flow in those areas.
- Vision Changes
In addition to blacking out, double vision or blurred vision are also common in those dealing with internal bleeding.
- Nausea
If the bleeding is in the digestive tract or brain, a common sign is nausea or vomiting. This can also occur as a response to pain.
- Confusion
Becoming confused or disoriented is a sign that the body has lost too much blood and is a medical emergency. All of these conditions require attention, but 911 should be called if this is occurring.
