Bleeding

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Eye hemorrhage

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Pulmonary haemorrhage - high mag

Bleeding, also known as hemorrhage, is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. It can occur internally, where blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body, or externally, either through a natural opening such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethra, vagina, or anus, or through a break in the skin. Bleeding is a common symptom of injury and can range from minor to severe, potentially leading to shock or even death if not properly managed.

Types of Bleeding

Bleeding is classified into several types based on its source and characteristics:

• External bleeding: Visible bleeding from an external wound. It can be further categorized into arterial, venous, or capillary bleeding, depending on the type of blood vessel that is damaged.
• Internal bleeding: Occurs when blood leaks from blood vessels within the body into internal spaces or cavities. It can result from trauma, medical conditions, or medications and may not be immediately apparent.
• Capillary bleeding: The most common and least severe type, involving the smallest blood vessels, the capillaries. It usually results in a slow, oozing flow of blood.
• Venous bleeding: Involves loss of blood from a vein. It is characterized by a steady flow of dark red blood.
• Arterial bleeding: The most serious type of external bleeding, involving loss of blood from an artery. It is recognized by a pulsating flow of bright red blood and can lead to rapid blood loss.

Causes

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

• Physical trauma: Such as cuts, abrasions, or blunt force injuries.
• Medical conditions: Such as hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, or liver disease, which affect the blood's ability to clot.
• Surgical procedures: Which may intentionally or unintentionally damage blood vessels.
• Medications: Such as anticoagulants or blood thinners, which reduce the blood's ability to clot.

First Aid and Treatment

The initial management of bleeding involves first aid techniques aimed at stopping the blood loss, protecting the wound, and preventing infection. Basic steps include:

• Applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
• Elevating the injured area above the level of the heart, if possible, to reduce blood flow.
• For severe bleeding, applying a tourniquet as a last resort if direct pressure is not effective.

Medical treatment for bleeding depends on its cause, location, and severity. It may include:

• Surgical repair of damaged blood vessels or tissues.
• Transfusion of blood or blood products in cases of significant blood loss.
• Medications to promote blood clotting or to treat underlying conditions causing the bleeding.

Prevention

Preventing bleeding involves minimizing risk factors and managing underlying conditions that increase the risk of bleeding. This includes:

• Using protective gear during activities that pose a risk of injury.
• Managing anticoagulant medications carefully under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Regular monitoring and treatment of medical conditions that affect blood clotting.

See Also

• Blood transfusion
• Hemostasis
• Shock (circulatory)