Blood is arguably one of the most critical issues in our body. The blood comprises liquids (plasma) and solid (red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet) substances. It’s tough to ignore the role blood plays in our bodies.
Bleeding disorders are severe medical conditions that affect many people around the world. They occur when the body’s clotting system cannot prevent excessive blood loss from various parts of the body. Blood tissues can malfunction, resulting in various blood disorders.
Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease are the most common types of blood disorders. Hemophilia alone affects nearly 20,000 people in the United States, and more than 400 children are born each year with this disorder. Uncontrolled bleeding can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Causes of Uncontrolled Bleeding
Generally, platelets and blood proteins in your blood coagulate to form a fibrin clot on injured blood vessels when you experience trauma. Any disruption in the normal clotting process will lead to excessive bleeding in several body parts.
While the leading causes of uncontrollable bleeding are genetic, several non-genetic conditions can also cause a bleeding disorder. Genetic traits of the bleeding disorder pass from parents to offspring.
Several non-genetic medical conditions develop antibodies in your blood, which weaken the blood’s clotting system and cause a bleeding disorder.
Some common non-genetic factors that may cause uncontrollable bleeding include liver or kidney diseases, red blood cells damage, and vitamin K deficiency.
Eclampsia after pregnancy and excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin are also factors.
Currently, there are several types of blood disorders, each of which can lead to life-threatening complications without proper medical care.
Types of Uncontrolled Bleeding
Hemophilia
Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, result from a lack of clotting factors in your blood.
The condition predominantly occurs in men; however, women can still be carriers of the gene that causes hemophilia and only develop mild forms of the bleeding disorder.
The lack of clotting substances in the blood leads to excessive bleeding even from slight injuries, resulting in a life-threatening complication.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
The von Willebrand factor, also known as a platelet protein, is responsible for blood clotting. The deficiency of this platelet protein in the blood causes a hereditary blood disorder known as Von Willebrand’s disease.
The main symptoms of this disorder include bruising, bleeding from the nose, and prolonged bleeding after surgical procedures.
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia is another blood disorder in which blood cells break down faster than your bone marrow can produce them.
Symptoms of Uncontrolled Bleeding
Different symptoms of bleeding disorder persist, depending on the specific type. Frequently noticeable symptoms include:
- Unexplained bruises
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Joints bleeding
- Bloody stools and discharge of blood while urinating
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Excessive bleeding after regular procedures like dental work or slight cuts and injury
If you persistently experience any of the symptoms highlighted above, schedule an appointment with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid life-threatening complications.
Diagnosis
An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to leading an everyday minor and active life for any disorder. In addition to a physical examination, your doctor will examine your medical history for underlying medical conditions.
To make a proper diagnosis, your doctor may order an advanced blood test such as a complete blood count test, a platelet aggregation test, and a bleeding time test.
Treatment
Your doctor may recommend a treatment course depending on the severity of the condition. You may not require treatment to treat a mild blood disorder; however, it is crucial to avoid drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen that may trigger a recurrence.
In severe cases of uncontrolled bleeding, iron supplements may help increase iron levels in the body. Blood transfusion can also elevate the percentage of platelet protein in the blood.
Uncontrollable bleeding is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening conditions if not properly maintained. If you experience any symptom of an uncontrolled bleed, seek prompt medical attention. Always consult your doctor before undergoing any major surgery to avoid excessive bleeding.