Internal bleeding happens when blood vessels inside the body are damaged, allowing blood to leak into surrounding tissues or body cavities instead of remaining within the circulatory system. Several factors can cause this serious condition.
Common Causes of Internal Bleeding:
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Trauma: This is a leading cause. Trauma encompasses various types of injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds: Deep wounds that pierce the skin and damage underlying blood vessels.
- Fractures: Broken bones can cause bleeding from damaged blood vessels near the fracture site.
- Blunt force injuries: Impacts from collisions or falls can rupture blood vessels internally, even without breaking the skin. Examples include car accidents or falls. [Source: Internal bleeding is commonly caused by things like trauma (including puncture wounds, fractures, and blunt force injuries)… 17-May-2024]
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Ruptured Aneurysms: Aneurysms are weakened areas in blood vessel walls that can balloon out and eventually burst, causing significant internal bleeding. [Source: Internal bleeding is commonly caused by things like… ruptured aneurysms… 17-May-2024]
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Bleeding Disorders: Conditions like hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other coagulation disorders impair the body's ability to clot blood, leading to prolonged or excessive bleeding, which can be internal. [Source: Internal bleeding is commonly caused by things like… bleeding disorders… 17-May-2024]
Less Common Causes:
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Certain Medications: Overuse or interactions of some medications can increase the risk of bleeding. [Source: The overuse of certain drugs… are uncommon but potentially serious causes. 17-May-2024]
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Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers: These infections can damage blood vessels and cause internal bleeding. [Source: …viral hemorrhagic fevers are uncommon but potentially serious causes. 17-May-2024]
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Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like ulcers, cancers, or inflammatory bowel diseases can cause bleeding within the digestive tract. [Source: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a sign of a disorder in the digestive tract. The blood often shows up in stool or vomit but isn't always obvious.]
Symptoms of Internal Bleeding:
Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the bleeding. They can include: abdominal pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness (especially when standing), bruising, unexplained weakness, lightheadedness, headaches, and dark or bloody stools or vomit. [Sources: Various sources including https://www.healthline.com/health/internal-bleeding, https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/hematology/internal-bleeding-signs, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320322, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bleeding, and https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding/symptoms-causes]
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect internal bleeding.
