Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : June 2, 2016 11:44 AM IST
While you might know that a fall or a severe head injury might lead to internal bleeding, there are several other conditions that can cause internal bleeding, which are not commonly known. Not many people are aware of the fact that the excessive use of blood thinners can cause internal bleeding. Moreover, even an underlying intestinal infection and brain damage could be the cause of internal bleeding. Dr Akshay Challani, Critical Care Specialist and Physician, Akshjyot Clinic, Navi Mumbai, sheds light on causes of internal bleeding and signs that you need to watch out for.
Intestinal infection: Yes, even infection of the GI tract or the intestine can lead to internal bleeding. And one of the key signs of intestinal damage is the presence of blood in the stools. If this is coupled with stomach woes like feeling nausea or vomiting along with severe bloating and indigestion, it might indicate severe intestinal inflammation. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, rather than ignoring them to consult your doctor to know the exact cause of internal bleeding and get treated. If the infection spreads to other parts of the body like urinary bladder, it is characterized by blood in the urine, which is usually rare.
Brain damage or tumor: Any injury to the brain like severe head injury or brain tumour, it can lead to internal bleeding. This is because, in most cases, the blood vessels burst due to pressure following an injury leading to internal bleeding. Moreover, brain tumour can cause secretion of various hormones which in turn lead to oedema and bleeding in the brain. And the only significant symptom of internal bleeding following a brain damage or brain tumour is uncontrolled blood pressure. Hence, do not forget to check your blood pressure regularly, if you experience a severe headache and decreased alertness to rule out internal bleeding. Also, these 10 common symptoms of brain tumour you must NEVER ignore.
Hematoma: When the internal bleeding forms a blood clot outside the blood vessels, it is known as a hematoma. It is mainly caused due to infections or diseases, trauma after surgery or injury or brain damage. Hematoma is a blood disorder that can affect any part of the body and knowing the underlying cause of the condition is important to treat internal bleeding.
Blood thinners: One of the most commonly prescribed drugs after a bypass surgery or angiography, blood thinners like aspirin can lead to internal bleeding. It is mostly caused in the case of excessive intake of these drugs either following surgery or without doctor s prescription.If you are using one and are experiencing any common signs of internal bleeding like blood in stools, vision changes or extreme fatigue and drowsiness, consult your doctor immediately to know the exact cause before the condition worsens.
Hormonal problems: It is quite common in the case of women. Of the various causes of internal bleeding, the common one is uterine bleeding due to drastic changes in the hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone in the body. It mainly occurs during puberty and menopause, when the reproductive hormones are imbalanced for several weeks to months at a stretch causing severe abdominal pain and increasing the risk of uterine bleeding. Internal bleeding in women could also be due to an underlying gynaecological problem like PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome), uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
Image Source: Shutterstock
