Haemorrhages

Haemorrhages

A haemorrhage, commonly known as bleeding, is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. It can occur internally, where blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body, or externally, through a natural opening such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethra, vagina, or anus, or through a break in the skin. Haemorrhages can range from minor to life-threatening and require varying levels of medical intervention.

Types of Haemorrhages

Haemorrhages are classified based on their location and severity:

Internal Haemorrhage

Internal haemorrhage occurs when blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body. It can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, or by medical conditions like peptic ulcers or aneurysms. Internal bleeding can be difficult to detect and may require imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs for diagnosis.

External Haemorrhage

External haemorrhage is visible bleeding from a wound or natural body opening. It can result from cuts, lacerations, or surgical procedures. External bleeding is often easier to control than internal bleeding and can be managed with direct pressure, elevation, and bandaging.

Arterial, Venous, and Capillary Bleeding

- Arterial bleeding: Characterized by bright red blood that spurts with each heartbeat. It is the most serious type of bleeding due to the high pressure in arteries. - Venous bleeding: Dark red blood that flows steadily. It is less forceful than arterial bleeding but can still be significant. - Capillary bleeding: Oozing of blood from capillaries, usually seen in minor cuts and abrasions.

Causes of Haemorrhages

Haemorrhages can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Trauma: Physical injury from accidents, falls, or violence. - Medical conditions: Such as hemophilia, liver disease, or leukemia. - Medications: Anticoagulants like warfarin or aspirin can increase bleeding risk. - Surgical procedures: Post-operative bleeding is a common complication.

Symptoms of Haemorrhages

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding:

- Internal bleeding: May cause pain, swelling, or bruising. Severe cases can lead to shock, characterized by low blood pressure, rapid pulse, and confusion. - External bleeding: Visible blood loss, which can be accompanied by pain and swelling at the site of injury.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of haemorrhages involves:

- Physical examination: To assess visible signs of bleeding and vital signs. - Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to locate internal bleeding. - Blood tests: To evaluate blood loss and clotting function.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the haemorrhage:

- First aid: Applying direct pressure, elevating the injured area, and using tourniquets for severe external bleeding. - Medical intervention: Includes fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, and surgery to repair damaged vessels. - Medications: Such as clotting agents or reversal of anticoagulants.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

- Safety precautions: Wearing seatbelts, using protective gear, and avoiding high-risk activities. - Managing medical conditions: Regular monitoring and treatment of conditions that increase bleeding risk.

Also see

- Hemostasis - Blood transfusion - Shock (circulatory) - Trauma surgery

Classification
External resources