Haemorrhagic

Haemorrhagic is a medical term referring to bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood. This condition can occur both internally and externally. Haemorrhagic conditions can range from minor bruises or nosebleeds to life-threatening haemorrhagic stroke or haemorrhagic fever.

Bleeding_finger

Bleeding acne

Leech wound

Types of Haemorrhagic Conditions

There are several types of haemorrhagic conditions, including:

• Haemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. It's less common than an ischemic stroke but can be more deadly.
• Haemorrhagic fever: This is a group of viral diseases characterized by damage to the body's blood vessels, which can lead to high fever and bleeding.
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage: This is bleeding in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often due to a ruptured aneurysm.
• Haemophilia: This is a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots, leading to excessive bleeding.

Symptoms

The symptoms of haemorrhagic conditions can vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding. Common symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Treatment

Treatment for haemorrhagic conditions depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. It may include:

• Medication to control bleeding
• Surgery to repair damaged blood vessels
• Blood transfusion in severe cases

Prevention

Prevention strategies for haemorrhagic conditions may include:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Glossary of Terms Related to Bleeding

A

• Abrasion – A wound caused by superficial damage to the skin, often resulting in minor bleeding.
• Aneurysm – A localized, blood-filled balloon-like bulge in the wall of a blood vessel that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.
• Anticoagulant – A substance that prevents blood clot formation, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Artery – A type of blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. Bleeding from an artery, known as arterial bleeding, is often rapid and severe.
• Atherosclerosis – A condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, sometimes causing bleeding or rupture.
• Avascular necrosis – Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, which can involve internal bleeding.

B

• Blood clot – A mass formed by the coagulation of blood to stop bleeding.
• Blood vessel – Tubes in the body (e.g., arteries, veins, capillaries) through which blood flows. Damage to these can lead to bleeding.
• Bruise – A type of internal bleeding where blood leaks out of damaged capillaries into surrounding tissue.

C

• Capillary – The smallest type of blood vessel; bleeding from capillaries is typically slow and minor.
• Coagulopathy – A condition where the blood’s ability to clot is impaired, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Compression – A first aid technique used to stop bleeding by applying pressure to the affected area.

D

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) – A severe condition where widespread clotting depletes clotting factors, leading to bleeding.
• Donor blood – Blood donated for transfusions, often used to treat severe bleeding cases.

E

• Ecchymosis – A discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding underneath, often appearing as a bruise.
• Epistaxis – The medical term for a nosebleed.

G

• Gastrointestinal bleeding – Bleeding that occurs in the digestive system, which may appear as hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (black, tarry stool).

H

• Hematochezia – The passage of fresh blood through the anus, often indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Hematoma – A localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels due to trauma or injury.
• Hematuria – The presence of blood in the urine.
• Hemophilia – A genetic disorder where the blood does not clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.
• Hemoptysis – Coughing up blood, often due to bleeding in the respiratory tract.
• Hemorrhage – Severe bleeding, either internal or external, that can be life-threatening.
• Hemorrhoids – Swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can cause bleeding.
• Hypovolemic shock – A life-threatening condition caused by severe blood loss, leading to reduced blood volume and organ failure.

I

• Internal bleeding – Bleeding that occurs inside the body and may not be visible externally.

L

• Laceration – A deep cut or tear in skin or flesh that often leads to bleeding.

M

• Melena – Dark, tarry stool caused by digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Menorrhagia – Excessive menstrual bleeding.

N

• Nosebleed – See epistaxis.

P

• Platelet – A small blood cell essential for clot formation to stop bleeding.
• Postpartum hemorrhage – Excessive bleeding following childbirth.

S

• Shock – A medical condition that can result from severe blood loss, leading to insufficient blood flow to tissues and organs.

T

• Thrombocytopenia – A condition where there are low levels of platelets, leading to increased risk of bleeding.
• Trauma – Physical injury that often results in bleeding.

U

• Ulcer – A sore that can form in the lining of the stomach or intestines, potentially causing bleeding.

V

• Varices – Abnormally enlarged veins, often in the esophagus or stomach, which can rupture and cause severe bleeding.
• Vein – A type of blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart. Bleeding from veins is often slower but still requires attention.

W

• Wound – An injury to the body that often results in bleeding.

Gallery

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  Bleeding injuries

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  Diagram of the pharynx where epistaxis can occur

• 

  The gastrointestinal tract prone to GI bleeding

See Also

• Bleeding disorders
• Blood clot
• Stroke
• Fever

Haemorrhagic Resources
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