Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate action to prevent death or irreversible organ damage.
It is important to call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs of internal bleeding, including:
- Severe abdominal or chest pain
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Coughing up blood
- Changes in vision
- Changes in mental status
People should also be examined after any sort of trauma, including severe falls or blunt force injuries caused by car accidents or contact sports. These sometimes do not cause outward symptoms until later when the blood loss is severe.