Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a hematoma?
- How common is this condition?
- Type
- What are the different types of hematoma?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of a hematoma?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes a hematoma?
- Triggers
- What puts me more at risk for this condition?
- 1. Aneurysm
- 2. Treatment
- 3. Certain diseases or conditions
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- How is this condition diagnosed?
- How to get rid of bruises caused by this condition?
- Prevention
- How to prevent a hematoma?
Definition
What is a hematoma?
Hematoma or hematoma is an abnormal buildup of blood outside the blood vessels. This condition occurs when the walls of blood vessels, whether arteries, veins, or capillaries, are damaged so that the blood leaks into other tissues that are not appropriate. If it occurs close to the surface of the skin, it can look like a bruise or bruise.
This blood collection can be a small speck, but it can also be large and cause swelling.
Injury to the blood vessels resulting in a hematoma is a minor and irreparable condition. However, there are times when this also indicates a blood clotting disorder in your body.
Blood that leaks out of the blood vessels can irritate the surrounding tissue and cause inflammatory symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and redness. The symptoms that appear will depend on the location, size, and whether the condition is causing swelling or edema.
This condition can occur in any body condition. A hematoma is similar to hemorrhage (hemorrhagic). hemorrhage usually refers to ongoing bleeding. Meanwhile, hematoma refers to bleeding that has clotted.
How common is this condition?
This condition is more common in women than men. Even so, this condition can be prevented by reducing the factors that put you at risk.
Talk to your doctor for more information.
Type
What are the different types of hematoma?
Hematoma is distinguished by the location of the appearance of the condition. The types that have been known so far are:
- ear hematoma
- subungual hematoma (under the nail)
- scalp hematoma (lump on the skin and muscles outside the head)
- hematoma septum (in the nose)
- subcutaneous hematoma (in a superficial vein close to the surface of the skin)
- retroperitoneal hematoma (inside the abdominal cavity)
- splenic hematoma
- liver hematoma
- spinal epidural hematoma (in the lining of the spinal cord and spine)
- intracranial epidural hematoma (between the plate of the skull and the membrane on the outside of the brain)
- subdural hematoma (between the brain tissue and the inner lining of the brain)
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a hematoma?
A hematoma can cause irritation and inflammation. The symptoms that appear may vary depending on the location and size of the swelling and swelling.
However, in general, symptoms that appear when inflammation (inflammation) due to the hematoma include:
- Redness
- Sensitivity
- Warm taste
- Pain
- Swelling
The internal hematoma may be harder to find. Regular checks to detect this condition are necessary for anyone who has been in an accident or has been seriously injured.
If it occurs in the skull and brain, this condition can have serious consequences. New symptoms that may arise from a hematoma in the skull and brain are:
- Severe headache
- Trouble moving an arm or leg
- Hearing disorders
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sleepy
- Loss of consciousness
According to MedlinePlus, some of the complications that may arise due to a hematoma that approaches the inner (subdural) layer of the brain are:
- seizures
- difficulty speaking
- weakened body
- brain herniation (pressure on the brain that can lead to coma and even death)
When should I see a doctor?
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from getting worse and prevent other medical emergencies. That is why, talk to your doctor to avoid this condition becoming more serious.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes a hematoma?
A hematoma occurs because of a blood clot. Trauma is the main cause of this condition. When talking about "trauma," most people think of car accidents, falls, head injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries.
In fact, tissue trauma can also be caused by things that look more trivial, such as sneezing too hard or suddenly twisting an arm / leg.
When blood vessels are damaged, the blood tends to coagulate (clot). The greater the amount of bleeding that occurs, the greater the number of blood clots that can form.
Triggers
What puts me more at risk for this condition?
Some of the factors that can increase your risk for developing this condition are:
1. Aneurysm
Aneurysm refers to the weakening of the blood vessel wall which then causes a bulge (or what is known as distension) in the vessel wall.
Most aneurysms are asymptomatic and harmless. However, in the most severe stages, the aneurysm can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
2. Treatment
Blood thinners or anticoagulation drugs, including warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and apixaban (Eliquis) can increase the potential for sudden bleeding and an enlarged hematoma because the body cannot repair vessels. blood efficiently.
This causes blood to continue to leak through the damaged area.
3. Certain diseases or conditions
Some platelet disorders or certain health conditions can decrease the number of platelets in the bloodstream (thrombocytopenia), increase their number (thrombocytosis), or limit their function.
Viral infections such as (rubella, chickenpox, HIV, and hepatitis C), aplastic anemia, cancer of other organs, long-term alcohol abuse and vitamin D deficiency can be associated with this condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is this condition diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have this condition, a physical exam and several tests will be recommended. The doctor can then perform a skin patch test, in which small amounts of various substances are applied to the skin under the adhesive.
When you return in a few days, the doctor will examine your skin to see if you have had a reaction to the substance. This type of test is best done at least 2 weeks after the hematoma has disappeared and is most useful to see if you have a contact allergy.
How to get rid of bruises caused by this condition?
Hematoma of the skin and soft tissue is a condition that can often be resolved by resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected part of the body.
Some doctors may suggest heat as an alternative to treatment. Pain from the bruise that appears is usually caused by inflammation around the blood and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Treatment options depend on the patient's health condition.
For patients taking anticoagulation medications, ibuprofen is not recommended because of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Patients with liver disease should not use over-the-counter acetaminophen. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.
Prevention
How to prevent a hematoma?
Accidents are always happening all around us and this condition cannot be prevented once trauma has occurred.
For patients taking anticoagulation drugs, it is best to avoid activities that have a high risk of injury. For patients taking warfarin (Coumadin), it is important to ensure the dosage is correct so that there is no excessive blood thinning.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
