It is not uncommon for oil field workers to suffer injuries when working on rigs or driving to them. While some injuries are immediately apparent, others can take hours, days or weeks to make their presence known. Internal bleeding might fall into the latter category.
External bleeding can be a medical emergency, especially if the bleeding is severe. Even though it may have few external symptoms, internal bleeding can be just as serious. According to the Cleveland Clinic, internal bleeding happens when a person suffers blood loss from a hemorrhage inside the body.
What are the signs of internal bleeding?
Internal bleeding often happens after a person sustains trauma. That is, forces from a car crash or workplace accident can cause internal blood vessels to rupture. If you have internal bleeding, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Shock
- Breathing difficulties
- Fainting
- Bloody cough, stool or urine
- Dizziness or confusion
Losing too much blood can be problematic for a couple of reasons. First, you might experience a drop in your body’s blood supply, potentially leaving vital organs with insufficient oxygenated blood. Second, accumulated blood might put pressure on your organs, causing them to fail eventually.
When should you see the doctor?
If you believe there is even a remote possibility you have internal bleeding, it is imperative to call emergency services and get to a trauma center. After all, internal bleeding quickly can become life-threatening.
Ultimately, while going to a trauma center is likely to be expensive and inconvenient, receiving prompt treatment can increase your odds of making a full recovery.