Internal Bleeding (cont.)
How is internal bleeding treated?
The initial treatment plan of any patient with internal
bleeding begins with assessing the patient's stability and making certain the ABCs are
well maintained. This includes making certain the patient's:
- Airway is open,
- that
the patient is Breathing, and
- that there is adequate Circulation, meaning good
pulse and blood
pressure.
The definitive treatment of internal bleeding depends upon where the bleeding
is occuring, the individual situation, and the stability of the patient. The
basic goals include identifying and stopping the source of bleeding and
repairing any damage that the bleeding may have caused.
What are the complications of internal bleeding?
Depending upon where it occurs, if not recognized, internal bleeding may
cause organ failure, shock, and death. For example:
- If there is uncontrolled bleeding in the chest or abdomen, the body may
lose enough circulating red blood cells to
compromise oxygen delivery to cells in the body. This situation is called shock.
If the bleeding is not stopped and if fluid resuscitation and perhaps
blood
transfusion are not provided, the
patient may die.
- Internal bleeding in the brain may cause minimal damage, but if there is
enough to cause increased pressure or if the bleeding increases, enough brain
tissue may be damaged to cause stroke-like symptoms, coma, and death.
Internal Bleeding At A Glance
- Internal bleeding may occur in many areas of the body and may cause
significant local pain. If enough bleeding occurs, signs of shock may be
apparent.
- Bleeding is a recognized complication of anti-coagulation medications
such as
aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Warfarin), and heparin. The benefits of these medications
need to be balanced against the risk of bleeding.
- Bleeding is never normal in pregnancy.
- If internal bleeding is suspected, it is important to seek medical care.
Last Editorial Review: 6/5/2009
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