Haemorrhage: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Definition and Classification

• Haemorrhage: bleeding or loss of blood from the blood vessels
• Classified into:
  • Internal haemorrhage: bleeding within a body cavity or organ
  • External haemorrhage: bleeding from an open wound or body orifice

Causes of Haemorrhage

• Trauma: injury to blood vessels
• Surgery: accidental damage to blood vessels during surgical procedures
• Bleeding disorders: e.g. haemophilia, thrombocytopenia
• Cancer: tumour invasion of blood vessels
• Vascular malformations: e.g. aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations
• Medications: e.g. anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents

Signs and Symptoms

• External bleeding: visible blood loss
• Internal bleeding:
  • Abdominal pain or tenderness
  • Vomiting blood or coffee ground emesis
  • Black, tarry stools (melena)
  • Pale, cool, or clammy skin
  • Fast heart rate or palpitations
  • Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Imaging studies: e.g. CT, MRI, ultrasound
• Laboratory tests: e.g. complete blood count, coagulation studies

Treatment

• Control bleeding: apply pressure, suturing, or ligation of blood vessels
• Fluid resuscitation: administration of IV fluids and blood products
• Surgical intervention: e.g. laparotomy, thoracotomy
• Medications: e.g. vasopressors, blood clotting factors