How to Stop a Bleed

Bleeding can be scary for anybody. However, for someone with a blood disorder, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening if left untreated. If you want to learn how to stop a bleed, keep on reading. 

What Causes Bleeding?

When blood clots normally, bleeding usually resolves on its own. Bleeding disorders make that process more complicated. Most bleeding disorders involve deficiencies in blood clotting factors, which means an increase in bleeding from surgery or trauma from everyday events. 

Why Are Bleeds Dangerous?

Everyone bleeds at some point. But people with bleeding disorders do not have the same defenses when a bleed does occur, which can be very dangerous if left untreated. Internal bleeding can lead to extreme pain, joint damage, organ damage, and even death. What may be normal for a person without a blood clotting disorder can be life-threatening for someone with it.

Signs and Symptoms 

The signs and symptoms of a bleed are often obvious but worth mentioning here. This is true whether you are aware of a blood clotting disorder diagnosis or not. 

• Excessive and prolonged bleeding that does not respond to pressure
• Unexplained large bruises
• Heavy bleeding after birth or during a menstrual period
• Underskin bleeding that causes tiny purple or brown spots to appear
• Redness and swollen muscles caused by bleeds into the muscles
• Internal bleeding can cause pale skin, excessive tiredness, headaches, and mental confusion

How to Manage Bleeding

What happens if you find yourself in a situation where someone has a bleed? Here is how to stop a blood disorder bleed. These steps are the same for all people, with some caveats. 

Apply Pressure/Compression

When you notice bleeding, one of the first things to do is apply pressure. This can control the bleeding and stop it from getting worse. Do this with a clean cloth or sterile bandage.

Raise Body Part

Another important step is to raise the injured or bleeding body part as high as possible to slow down the blood flow.

Ice Bruises

If you notice a bruise, make sure to put ice on it to reduce swelling and inflammation. Cover an ice pack in a towel or cloth and apply for 10 minutes every 2 hours for best results.

Factor Replacement Therapy for a Bleed

For people with severe bleeding disorders – and even if they have a milder form – you may need to reach out for emergency factor replacement therapy to make sure the bleeding does not get out of control. Call your medical provider with any questions or you can head to the emergency room. 

Mylyfe Specialty Pharmacy provides medication and other support services to people with bleeding disorders and other chronic illnesses. Contact us to learn more.