When the skin breaks down following a wound, the blood in the injured spot hardens into clots to stop bleeding. This process, known as clotting, requires a specific mix of platelets and other components in the blood. There are some first aid medical devices that can stimulate clotting and reduce blood loss following a serious injury. If your blood isn't clotting fast enough to stop bleeding even after minor injuries, talk to your doctor right away.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Accelerate Coagulation with Kaolin and Zeolite
Step 1. Seek medical attention for serious injuries
Injuries from accidents, violence, or animal bites, as well as dirty injuries from foreign objects, require rapid rescue and professional medical attention. This is partly because clotting isn't enough to stop bleeding from bleeding and other serious injuries, even if your blood is perfectly healthy.
- If you can see muscle or fat tissue, or if you are unable to bring the edges of the wound into contact with gentle pressure, go to the hospital.
- Other circumstances that make a wound serious are proximity to a joint or genitals, irregular skin breakdown, continuous or pulsating blood flow, and penetration of flesh with a visibly soiled object.
- Reduce bleeding from an injured person you are carrying by applying pressure bandages and, if necessary, a tourniquet.
Step 2. Use kaolin bandages to stimulate clotting
This mineral is used to reduce blood loss from serious injuries, including those sustained in warfare. Apply a pressure bandage to the injured spot using kaolin-impregnated bandages. Pressure counteracts blood pressure which pushes blood out of the body, while kaolin promotes clotting.
Get kaolin bandages for your car's first aid kit or in the kits you take with you when hiking in remote areas. You can find them on the internet and in the best pharmacies
Step 3. Stop very large wounds with zeolite bags
Another first aid medical device used to treat wounds that cause severe bleeding are small mesh bags that contain zeolite. When these pouches are activated they fill larger wounds and apply even pressure inside, while the zeolite stimulates blood clotting in the area.
- You can purchase bags filled with zeolite from stores that specialize in first aid products. It is easier to find them on the internet than in local businesses.
- These medical devices are designed for the treatment of large wounds and are intended to stabilize victims during transport to the hospital.
- QuikClot is a product that contains zeolite which stops bleeding quickly.
Method 2 of 3: Diagnosing a Bleeding Disorder
Step 1. Check how long a cut bleeds
The most obvious symptom that your blood isn't clotting fast enough is excessive bleeding. It should take ten minutes for a cut or scratch to stop bleeding, with the average for normal patients ranging from one to nine minutes. If you continue to bleed after ten minutes, contact a doctor right away.
If you or someone else is leaking a lot of blood, get medical attention and get to a hospital as soon as possible
Step 2. Recognize other symptoms of a potential bleeding disorder
In addition to excessive bleeding following minor injuries, other symptoms may indicate a problem with blood clotting. These include unexpected or sudden bruising, red or pink colored urine, and black or bloody stools. Blackheads in vomit (which look like coffee beans) can also indicate a problem. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact a doctor right away.
Recurring or persistent dizziness, headaches, and changes in vision may also indicate a bleeding disorder, as well as joint pain, bleeding gums, or periods that last a long time or with abundant blood production
Step 3. Ask for a formal diagnosis
Your doctor will need to have a blood test to determine if you have a bleeding disorder. In addition to assessing the composition of your blood (for example, the amount of platelets and proteins), the doctor will also ask for a test to determine the efficiency of the clotting process.
Step 4. Consider your treatment options
Your ailment could be caused by a serious problem that needs to be treated. There are also treatments that can directly counteract the symptoms of the disorder. Always follow your doctor's advice in this regard.
- Potential treatments include vitamin K injections, plasma or platelet transfusions, and medications.
- If you are diagnosed with a clotting disorder, you will need to take medications that allow the blood to clot when needed.
Method 3 of 3: Consider Related Factors
Step 1. Drink less alcohol
Alcohol reduces the adhesive power of platelets in the blood, inhibiting their coagulating action. Indeed, the beneficial properties of alcohol taken in moderation derive from this action. However, if you have a problem that limits your blood clotting ability, drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse.
One or two alcoholic drinks from time to time are unlikely to have a negative effect on blood clotting, but drinking a lot or often can put you at a greater risk
Step 2. Ask your doctor for advice on the use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Aspirin is often prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but it can also dilute the blood, acting as an anticoagulant. The same goes for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. The latter are available without a prescription and are often used for pain relief. If you notice that your blood does not clot well or that you often bruise after taking aspirin or anti-inflammatories, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of these drugs.
If your doctor has advised you to take aspirin, don't stop taking it without first asking him for advice
Step 3. Avoid supplements and foods that can thin the blood
Some common dietary supplements, such as fish oil, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin E dilute the blood and inhibit clotting. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take blood thinning medications.
- In addition, foods can also have the same effect, including raisins, plums, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, strawberries, tangerines, oranges, onions, olive oil, garlic, ginger, green tea, papaya and seeds. pumpkin.
- The most common herbs that can thin the blood include cinnamon, curry, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, turmeric, oregano, and peppermint.
- Alternatively, some foods can reduce bleeding, such as leafy greens, broccoli, celery, and carrots.
- Eating pineapple for a few days before surgery can reduce postoperative bleeding and bruising.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about the risks of blood clots
For some people, the risk of blood clots is greater than that of potential blood loss due to slow clotting. In fact, the clots that save you when you lose blood following an injury can be fatal if they form inside a vein or artery. Also for this reason, you should never follow treatments to promote blood clotting without a direct indication from a professional doctor.
Step 5. See a doctor in an emergency
If you are bleeding dangerously, there are some medications that are used only as an emergency measure. For example, antifibrinolytic drugs prevent the breakdown of blood clots and can prevent bleeding during surgery or following serious injury. If you are in an emergency situation, do not hesitate to seek medical attention, as there are drugs that can help blood clot.
