Internal Bleeding: An Overview

Internal bleeding, or hemorrhaging, is bleeding inside the body. A damaged blood vessel causes the bleeding. If uncontrolled, internal bleeding is fatal. Internal bleeding usually is a result of trauma. Internal bleeding can be difficult to diagnose because you are unable to see it. Causes of internal bleeding can include bleeding disorders, gastritis, or organ damage.

This overview describes internal bleeding, its symptoms, possible causes, and more.

Internal bleeding is blood loss within the body. Because it is inside the body, internal bleeding may go Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source unnoticed initially. When discovered, internal bleeding needs a high level of supervision from doctors.

If the bleeding is rapid, enough blood may build up to press on internal structures. Bulges or discoloration under the skin may appear. Severe internal bleeding can cause shock and loss of consciousness.

Symptoms vary Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source based on the location and rate of blood loss. Slow internal bleeding can cause the gradual onset of anemia. This results in initial symptoms such as:

• energy loss
• tiredness
• shortness of breath
• paleness
• headache, particularly for bleeding in the head
• nausea
• altered mental state

Gastrointestinal bleeding may cause blood in the stool or vomit. Similarly, urinary tract bleeding may make the urine bloody.

Read more about gastrointestinal bleeding and urinary tract bleeding.

Although internal bleeding may occasionally resolve on its own, it can have very serious consequences. Generally, treatment involves:

• stabilization of vital functions, such as circulation and respiration
• identification of the bleeding site
• control of blood loss
• repair of damage related to the bleeding

You may need a blood transfusion if a significant amount of blood has been lost.

Internal bleeding can have serious, life threatening consequences. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone with you, has symptoms such as:

• bleeding during pregnancy
• bloody or pink-colored urine or not producing any urine
• chest pain or pressure or rapid heart rate
• cold and clammy skin, pale skin or pallor, discoloration of the lips or fingernails
• confusion or loss of consciousness, even briefly
• difficulty breathing
• head injury
• obvious deformity or broken bones
• profuse sweating
• rapid swelling
• rectal bleeding or bloody stool
• severe pain
• vomiting blood

Symptoms accompanying internal bleeding vary based on the location and speed of blood loss. Pain may or may not be present.

Related symptoms may include the follow Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source ing Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source .

Internal bleeding in the head may accompany other symptoms, including:

• change in mental status
• confusion
• garbled or slurred speech, or inability to speak
• headache
• loss of vision or changes in vision
• numbness or tingling
• paralysis
• weakness or loss of strength

Internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen may accompany other symptoms, including:

• abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe
• abdominal swelling, distension, or bloating
• bruising around the navel or of the flanks
• chest pain
• coughing up blood
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• enlarged liver or spleen
• shortness of breath

Internal bleeding into the muscles or joints may accompany other symptoms, including:

• bone or joint abnormality
• loss of sensation
• pain
• reduced mobility
• swelling, redness, or warmth

Internal bleeding at other sites may accompany symptoms such as:

• abdominal pain or cramping
• bloody or pink-colored urine
• red, black, or tarry bloody stool
• hematoma, collection of blood in body tissues
• pain
• vomiting blood or black material that resembles coffee grounds

Trauma or a variety of medical conditions can cause Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source internal bleeding. The risk increases with clotting irregularities and anticlotting medications.

Although internal bleeding can result from trauma, a variety of conditions can cause it, including:

• anticlotting medications
• arteriovenous malformation, irregular connections between arteries and veins
• gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining
• gastroenteritis, infection of the digestive tract
• hemophilia, a rare hereditary disorder in which blood does not clot normally
• inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure
• medication side effects, especially from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
• ruptured aneurysm 
• thrombocytopenia, low blood platelet count
• Von Willebrand’s disease, a hereditary bleeding disorder

In some cases, a serious or life threatening condition may cause internal bleeding, including:

• bleeding esophageal varices, rupture and hemorrhage of swollen veins in the esophagus
• bowel infarction, severe bowel injury due to decreased blood supply
• ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy growing outside the uterus
• head injury
• ruptured aortic aneurysm, rupture of a weakened, bulging area of the aorta
• ruptured liver or spleen
• trauma such as bone fractures and eye injuries

Read more about ectopic pregnancy.

Firstly, the goal of treating any internal bleeding is to stop the flow of blood.

Treatment or management of internal bleeding will depend Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source on the location and extent of the injury. Some treatments may include:

• blood transfusion to replace the loss of blood
• stopping the bleeding or blood flow
• repairing damage from the bleeding

More serious cases of internal bleeding can require surgery.

To diagnose internal bleeding, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order procedures such as:

• an X-ray
• a CT scan
• an angiography, to examine blood vessels
• an ultrasound

After diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Serious diseases or trauma may cause internal bleeding. Failure to seek treatment can cause serious complications and permanent damage.

If untreated, internal bleeding may lead to these complications:

• altered or decreased sensation
• low red blood cell count
• brain damage
• organ failure
• paralysis or weakness
• shock
• unconsciousness and coma

It is important to follow the treatment plan designed with your healthcare professional to avoid complications of internal bleeding.

Here are questions people also ask about internal bleeding.

Some signs of internal bleeding include pain at the injured site, a swollen abdomen, and vomiting.

Even a small hemorrhage can prove fatal. It is important to seek immediate medical care after trauma for the maximum chance of survival.

Internal bleeding is fatal as it can result Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source in pressure building in the body, shock, and organ failure.

Internal bleeding can be a life threatening complication. Medical professionals need to find the cause and source of the bleeding quickly. Internal bleeding is difficult to diagnose because it is not as easy to see as external bleeding. Related symptoms, such as nausea or weakness, may indicate internal bleeding.

You should seek immediate medical care if you have any symptoms after trauma, including vomiting blood, profuse sweating, or dizziness.