bled

Bled is the past tense and past participle of the verb bleed. Bleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system, which can occur externally from a wound or internally within the body. The term is used in medicine, first aid, and everyday speech to describe blood loss of any amount.

Bleeding can be classified by location and mechanism. External bleeding involves blood loss visible on the outside of the body; internal bleeding occurs inside the body and may be life-threatening if not detected or treated. Arterial bleeding is typically bright red and spurts with each heartbeat, while venous bleeding is darker and flows more steadily. Nosebleeds are a common example of minor external bleeding. Major bleeding requires prompt medical attention.

Causes include trauma, surgery, ulcers, aneurysms, and conditions that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia or the use of anticoagulant medications. Bleeding may also accompany severe illness, organ rupture, or complications from medical procedures. The management of bleeding depends on its cause, location, and severity, and can range from simple wound care to advanced medical interventions.

First aid aims to control bleeding and prevent further injury. Typical steps include applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth, and not removing any embedded objects. Seek professional care if the bleeding is heavy, does not stop after several minutes, or is accompanied by fainting, confusion, or trouble breathing. In medical settings, treatment may involve stopping the bleed with pressure and cauterization or packing, medications to promote clotting, or transfusion for significant blood loss.

Etymology and usage: The word bled derives from Old English bleodan or bledan; in modern English, bled is the simple past and past participle form of bleed. Figurative uses include phrases like bleed money or bleed dry, describing substantial losses or depletion.