Hemorrage

Hemorrage

Hemorrhage (or haemorrhage in British English) refers to the escape of blood from the circulatory system. This medical condition can result from various factors, including injuries, underlying medical conditions, and surgical procedures. Hemorrhages can be classified based on their location in the body, the type of blood vessels involved, and the rate at which blood is lost.

Classification

Hemorrhages are broadly classified into two categories: internal hemorrhage and external hemorrhage.

• Internal hemorrhage involves the loss of blood within the body cavities, such as the abdomen, thorax, or cranium. It can be difficult to diagnose due to the absence of visible signs.
• External hemorrhage is the loss of blood to the external environment, usually through a natural opening or a break in the skin.

Further classification is based on the type of blood vessel involved:

• Arterial hemorrhage is characterized by bright red blood that spurts with the heartbeat.
• Venous hemorrhage involves darker blood that flows steadily or gushes.
• Capillary hemorrhage is usually minor, with blood oozing from the capillary beds.

Causes

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

• Trauma: Physical injury is a common cause of bleeding.
• Anticoagulant therapy: Medications that thin the blood can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Surgical procedures: Invasive surgeries can lead to controlled or uncontrolled bleeding.
• Hemorrhagic diseases: Conditions like hemophilia and vitamin K deficiency impair blood clotting, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhage vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding. They may include:

• Visible bleeding
• Shock (due to blood loss)
• Anemia (if bleeding is chronic)
• Pain or swelling at the bleeding site
• Signs of internal bleeding, such as abdominal pain, blood in urine, or black, tarry stools

Treatment

Treatment for hemorrhage depends on its cause, location, and severity. It may include:

• Direct pressure to control external bleeding
• Surgical intervention to repair damaged vessels or control internal bleeding
• Blood transfusions to replace lost blood
• Medications to promote blood clotting

Prevention

Preventive measures for hemorrhage include:

• Using protective gear to prevent injuries
• Monitoring and adjusting dosages of anticoagulant medications
• Managing underlying conditions that increase bleeding risk

See also

• Blood transfusion
• Shock (circulatory)
• Wound healing
• Coagulopathy