Easy bruising or bleeding — which specialty
Bruises you cannot account for, bleeding gums, or frequent nosebleeds.
Usually seen by
Haematology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- General internal medicine — if you take anticoagulants
- ENT — for recurrent nosebleeds from one side only
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Bleeding that will not stop after twenty minutes of pressure
- Many tiny pinpoint spots under the skin with fever
- Bruising spreading quickly with exhaustion
- Bleeding with a severe headache, or after a head injury
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- Where the bruises are and for how long
- Whether you take anticoagulants, aspirin, or any supplement
- Whether anyone in the family bleeds easily
- Whether there is fever, fatigue or weight loss
- Whether periods have become unusually heavy
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- Photographs of the bruises with dates
- A complete list of medicines and supplements — many products sold without prescription affect clotting
What a first visit usually involves
- A blood count and clotting tests
- Examination for an enlarged liver, spleen or nodes
- Further testing along the suspected line