A hemorrhage is a significant loss of blood, a bleeding that does not stop. This discharge caused by a ruptured blood vessel may be visible. We then speak ofexternal bleeding because the blood flows through an injury that usually arose from a trauma. The flow of blood can also occur inside the body: in this case it is a internal bleeding. Blood flows through the body.

The bleeding can be arterial, venous or capillary (example: a small cut that causes slight bleeding). The heaviest, fastest, and most difficult to stop bleeds often occur with bleeding blood. The blood is then a light red color. Bleeding is usually easier to stop when it is a venous hemorrhage when the blood is dark red in color.

The body contains between 5 and 6 liters of blood which circulates between the heart and the blood vessels, arteries and veins. Normally, if there is bleeding, clots form and the blood clots. The bleeding is naturally stopped.

The bleeding can be caused by a strong blow to the head which can cause bleeding in the brain. Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in the selles and be a sign of illness. As is the presence of blood in a sputum or in a vaginal discharge. Bleeding may also occur during or after a delivery. It is also a major cause of death in mothers who have just given birth. A hematoma may form or blood may find its way into body cavities such as the stomach, lungs (hemothorax) or the heart (hemopericardium).

In the event of severe bleeding, it is essential to do everything possible to stop the bleeding because a significant loss of blood can be fatal. Bleeding is all the more serious the greater the loss of blood since the blood plays an essential role in transporting oxygen to the organs.

Some people have a higher risk of bleeding. These are, for example, people withhaemophilia, an inherited disease characterized by the inability of the blood to clot, or people being treated with anti coagulants, drugs that can thin the blood. Several other diseases affect the mechanisms of coagulation, such as a deficiency in blood platelets. If you have a cut, the person being treated can lose a lot of blood if their treatment is not properly balanced. The risk is also high in the event of a stroke, which can cause the appearance of a hematoma.

The causes of bleeding

The causes of bleeding can be very diverse.

The external bleeding can be caused by a sharp object. They can also be related to a shock, a fall or a blow.

The internal bleeding can occur following a ruptured aneurysm or in the presence of a tumor (benign or malignant). Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or hemorrhoids can also be responsible for the onset of digestive bleeding. Gynecologically, an IUD can also cause bleeding, as can endometriosis or the presence of uterine fibroids. Finally, drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or anticoagulants can also cause bleeding.

Possible complications of bleeding

Complications from a bleeding can be very serious or even fatal, and very quickly since organs such as the brain or the heart absolutely need to receive oxygen from the blood in order to function.