hemorrhaging

Hemorrhaging refers to the loss of blood from the circulatory system due to a ruptured or damaged blood vessel. It can present as external bleeding, visible on the skin or in mucous membranes, or as internal bleeding into body cavities or tissues. Hemorrhage can be acute, developing rapidly, or chronic, occurring over time.

Causes include trauma from injury, surgical procedures, or obstetric events; medical conditions that impair coagulation such as platelet disorders, hemophilia, liver disease, or anticoagulant medications; and pathological processes that erode or rupture vessels, including ulcers, aneurysms, tumors, or inflammatory diseases.

Bleeding is often described by vessel type (arterial bleeding, which is bright red and spurting with each heartbeat, and venous bleeding, darker and steadier) and by location. The volume of blood lost and the rate of loss determine risk of hypovolemia and hemorrhagic shock.

Assessment relies on history, physical examination, and, when available, imaging and laboratory tests. Vital signs, mental status, capillary refill, and urine output gauge perfusion. Lab studies may include complete blood count, coagulation tests, and crossmatching for transfusion. Imaging like ultrasound or CT can detect internal bleeding.

Initial management focuses on stopping the bleed and maintaining perfusion. Apply direct pressure with a clean dressing; avoid removing clots; use a tourniquet for life-threatening limb bleeding when direct pressure fails. In medical settings, resuscitation with intravenous fluids and blood products; pharmacologic tools such as tranexamic acid; treat underlying cause; surgical or endovascular control (ligations, embolization) as indicated.

Outcome depends on the cause, speed of intervention, and overall health. Preventive measures include safety practices to reduce injury, effective management of coagulopathies, careful use of anticoagulants, and rapid access to emergency care for suspected major bleeding.