Signs and Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

Picture Credit: http://cheezburger.com/2496274176

This one is a little more serious than others of my Random Research postings, but it wasn't until I was writing a scene that I realized I knew less about internal bleeding than I thought.

Don't get me wrong, I took biology classes in college--and I've seen my share of "ER" television shows--so I thought I knew at least some about this topic. But when it came time to describe what a character was going through, I realized I was a little rusty.

Thank heavens for Medicinenet and EMS World! In no time, I read up on the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding. Of course, it matters where in the body a person is bleeding. I specifically looked at the chest and abdominal cavities, but look at the links I provided above for more information.


Depending on the severity, internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity can be accompanied by:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of Breath
• Shock
• Decreased Blood Pressure
• Vomit that is either bright red or the color of coffee grounds
• Bowel movements that are bloody or black and tarry

Depending on the severity, internal bleeding in the chest can be accompanied by:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Rib Fractures
• Difficulty Breathing
• Rapid Breathing
• Skin that is pale, cool, clammy, and blue
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Altered Mental Status
• Over-expansion of the chest wall
• Drop in pulse

I don't know about you, but these lists sure make me feel lucky that the worst internal bleeding I've ever had to complain about are a few bruises when I occasionally do something stupid!