Hemorrhageis another word for bleeding.
It most often refers to severe bleeding, though not all hemorrhages are serious.
This article will discuss the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options for hemorrhages.
wera Rodsawang / Getty Images
wera Rodsawang / Getty Images
What Is a Hemorrhage?
Hemorrhages occur when blood escapes through damaged blood vessels.
They can happen almost anywhere in the body because the circulatory system delivers blood to every part.
Commonly, the term applies to sudden and severe blood loss.
It can begin when you lose about 20% of your blood volume.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hemorrhage?
External hemorrhage is usually very easy to spot, and you could quickly identify the source of the bleeding.
Internal hemorrhage can be difficult to diagnose, even for medical professionals.
If an internal injury or illness is causing hemorrhaging, the symptoms depend on where the bleeding is.
Other than trauma, there are health conditions that increase the risk of serious hemorrhage.
Death from hemorrhage can happen quickly if the blood loss is rapid.
These conditions include:
Postpartumhemorrhage is severe bleeding after the vaginal delivery of a child.
It can be a serious complication and is the leading cause of mortality in childbirth.
When Is Bleeding a Sign of an Emergency?
You should get medical help for external hemorrhaging if:
How Are Hemorrhages Treated?
Use whatever material is available and tie a simple knot.
Insert a stick or rod into the knot to twist and tighten it and maintain pressure.
In hospital and emergency options, healthcare professionals will assess the nature and severity of the bleeding.
In less severe cases of external hemorrhage,stitches or surgical gluemay be used to close a wound.
External hemorrhages from a cut or wound can be minor or serious.
Minor wounds may respond to pressure and stop bleeding, but steady, significant bleeding requires urgent medical attention.
Internal hemorrhages cannot be treated by first aid and are medical emergencies.
They can be hidden but quickly lead to irreversible damage and death, so don’t take any chances.
Anyone who is hemorrhaging severely should be taken straight to the emergency room.
American AED CPR Association.First aid for bleeding.
2022;38(4):775-793. doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2022.06.013
American Red Cross.Whole blood and what it contains.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000002366
World Health Organization.WHO postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) summit.
