hemorrhagic

Hemorrhagic is an adjective used in medicine to describe bleeding or a tendency to bleed. It derives from Greek haima, meaning blood, and the suffix -rrhagic, indicating flow or discharge. In clinical use, the term applies to conditions where bleeding is present or likely.

Common uses include hemorrhagic stroke, which involves bleeding in the brain such as intracerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage; hemorrhagic fever, a group of illnesses where viral infection causes abnormal bleeding and bruising, as seen in dengue, Ebola, and other viruses; and hemorrhagic diathesis, a tendency to bleed excessively due to coagulation disorders, low platelets, or vessel fragility. Hemorrhagic complications can occur in trauma, surgery, and certain medical therapies that affect blood clotting.

Pathophysiology and clinical features: Bleeding results from rupture of vessels, coagulopathy, or impaired platelet function. Presentation ranges from minor bruising and oozing to life-threatening hemorrhage and shock. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, imaging for intracranial hemorrhage, and laboratory evaluation of coagulation status.

Management and prognosis: treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. General approaches include stabilization of the patient, securing the airway and circulation, controlling the source of hemorrhage, correcting coagulopathy, and addressing the underlying disease. Prevention focuses on managing risk factors in conditions associated with bleeding, such as stroke, hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, and coagulation disorders.