When people are injured or harmed, blood loss can be disastrous.
Even a small amount of blood can make people feel lightheaded and faint. When blood loss is excessive, it can have even worse effects on the body.
The effects of blood loss can range from being mildly inconvenient to leading to permanent death. That’s why it’s important to understand them.
Here’s what you should know. Keep reading!
Hypovolemia
Hypovolemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in blood volume, resulting in a low level of blood circulating through the body. This is usually caused by a substantial amount of blood loss, either through:
- trauma
- internal bleeding
- surgery
- other medical conditions
When blood flow to the body decreases, many changes occur throughout the body. It is important for those with hypovolemic conditions to stay adequately hydrated and reduce physical exertion.
For these reasons, it is essential that anyone, regardless of medical experience, be able to properly administer first aid when someone is suffering from severe bleeding. The “First Aid for Severe Bleeding” certification provided by https://cprcertificationnow.com/products/first-aid-for-severe-bleeding-certification offers vital training on the procedures necessary to properly and effectively care for someone suffering from extreme blood loss.
Hypoxia
Blood loss can cause hypoxia, a condition where the body and its organs are deficient in oxygen. Blood carries oxygen to the body’s organs, so when there is less oxygen-rich blood circulating, the body’s organs are deprived. This leads to hypoxia, which is characterized by dizziness, confusion, reduced coordination, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath.
As the amount of oxygen in the body decreases, the body becomes more acidic, and the cells become poisoned by the excess acidity. The side effects can cause tissue damage even in small quantities of blood loss. Treating hypoxia quickly and effectively is paramount to preserving the health of those who experience it.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition in which an individual’s body temperature drops below 95˚ F (35˚ C). When a person loses blood, their ability to generate heat decreases, making them more vulnerable to hypothermia. This increased risk of hypothermia is further compounded in colder environments.
In the most extreme cases, a significant amount of blood loss can lead to an individual entering a comatose state. It is important to act quickly when blood loss is detected so that comatose states and even death can be avoided.
Reduced Urine Output
One consequence of significant blood loss is reduced urine output. When the body experiences a decrease in the volume of circulating blood, the kidneys are not able to properly filter waste from the bloodstream. This reduced function results in a decreased amount of urine produced and excreted.
It can have knock-on effects on hydration and electrolyte balance in the body. It is important for individuals to consume adequate fluid if experiencing blood loss, and to seek medical attention if urine output does not return to normal.
Prevent Excessive Blood Loss
The effects of blood loss on the body can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you or a loved one are experiencing significant blood loss, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. With proper medical care and replenishment of lost fluids and blood, the effects of blood loss can be minimized or reversed.
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