Hemorrhage, also known simply as bleeding, refers to the escape of blood from blood vessels. It can occur internally, within the body, or externally, from a wound or injury. Hemorrhage can range from minor to severe, and it can be acute (sudden and rapid) or chronic (prolonged and ongoing).
There are several types of hemorrhage, including:
- Arterial hemorrhage: Bleeding from an artery, which tends to be bright red and may spurt in time with the heartbeat due to the high pressure in arteries.
- Venous hemorrhage: Bleeding from a vein, which is often darker in color and flows more steadily than arterial bleeding.
- Capillary hemorrhage: Bleeding from capillaries, which tends to be slow and steady and may appear as oozing from a wound.
- Internal hemorrhage: Bleeding that occurs inside the body, such as into organs or body cavities, which may not be immediately visible.
Hemorrhage can result from various causes, including trauma, injury, surgery, medical conditions such as ulcers or hemorrhagic diseases, and medication side effects. Severe hemorrhage can lead to hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening condition where there is insufficient blood volume to maintain adequate perfusion to the body’s tissues and organs.
Prompt medical attention is crucial for severe hemorrhage to control bleeding and prevent complications. Treatment may involve direct pressure, elevation, application of hemostatic agents, surgical intervention, blood transfusion, and other supportive measures, depending on the cause and severity of the hemorrhage.