Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms - Internal Medicine

More Info

---

When it comes to bruising, especially when you notice multiple bruises appearing without a clear cause, it can understandably lead to concern. Bruises, or contusions, occur when small blood vessels under the skin break, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This can happen due to trauma, such as bumping into furniture, but if bruises appear frequently or without an obvious reason, it may warrant further investigation.

In your case, you mentioned having several bruises on your lower leg, along with symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. While it’s possible that these symptoms could be related to anxiety, as suggested by your neurologist, it’s important to consider other potential causes, especially given the presence of the bruises.

Here are some key points to consider regarding bruising and when to seek medical attention:
1. Frequency and Cause of Bruising: If you notice an increase in the frequency of bruises, especially if they appear without any known trauma, it could indicate an underlying issue. Common causes of unexplained bruising include blood clotting disorders, liver disease, or certain medications that affect blood clotting (like anticoagulants).

2. Associated Symptoms: The symptoms you described—dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing—are concerning and should not be overlooked. While anxiety can manifest with physical symptoms, these symptoms can also be indicative of other medical conditions that require attention.

3. Color and Size of Bruises: The color of bruises can provide clues about their age and severity. Fresh bruises are typically red or purple, while older bruises may turn yellow or green as they heal. The presence of multiple bruises of varying sizes could suggest a more systemic issue.

4. Family and Medical History: If you have a family history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking medications that could affect your blood's ability to clot, this information is crucial for your healthcare provider.

5. When to Seek Help: Given your symptoms and the appearance of multiple bruises, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to assess your platelet count, clotting factors, and overall blood health. This can help rule out conditions such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or other hematological disorders.

6. Anxiety and Physical Symptoms: It’s also important to address the anxiety you are experiencing. Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms that mimic serious health issues, including those you described. Engaging in stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, therapy, or relaxation exercises, can be beneficial.

In summary, while bruising can often be benign, the combination of your symptoms and the appearance of multiple bruises suggests that it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They can perform the necessary tests to rule out any serious conditions and provide guidance on managing both your physical and emotional health. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.