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

Test your knowledge on haemorrhage, including its definition, classification, causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Learn about the different types of haemorrhage and how to manage them.