Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage is bleeding from a damaged blood vessel. Many things can cause hemorrhage
inside and outside the body. Types of hemorrhage range from minor, such as a bruise, to major,
such as bleeding in the brain. If you can’t stop external bleeding or suspect internal bleeding,
seek immediate medical attention.

What is hemorrhage?

Hemorrhage is loss of blood from a damaged blood vessel. The

bleeding can be inside or outside the body, and blood loss can be
minor or major.

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POSSIBLE CAUSES
What are the most common causes of hemorrhage?

There are many possible causes of hemorrhage, including:

 Alcohol, drug or tobacco use that is heavy or long-term (bleeding

in the brain).
 Blood clotting disorders.
 Cancer.
 Complications from medical procedures, such as surgery or
childbirth.
 Damage to an internal organ.
 Hereditary (inherited) disorders, such
as hemophilia and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
 Injuries, such as cuts or puncture wounds, bone
fracture or traumatic brain injury.
 Violence, such as a gunshot or knife wound, or physical abuse.
 Viruses that attack the blood vessels, such as viral hemorrhagic
fever.
Depending on the location or cause, a hemorrhage might be called:

 Bruise or hematoma (a particularly bad bruise). Both involve

bleeding just under the skin.
 Hemothorax, blood collecting between the chest wall and lungs.
 Intracranial hemorrhage, bleeding in the brain.
 Nosebleed.
 Petechiae, tiny spots on the skin that may be purple, red or
brown.
 Postpartum hemorrhage, more bleeding than normal after
childbirth.
 Subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke that can be caused
by head trauma.
 Subconjunctival hemorrhage_, _broken blood vessels in the eye.
 Subdural hematoma, blood leaking into the dura mater, the
membrane between the brain and skull.
How might bleeding make me feel?

The way a hemorrhage makes you feel varies a lot, depending on

where it is and how severe it is. For example, with a bruise, you may
have only mild discomfort compared to head injury. Another example:
Hemorrhage in the brain may cause headache, but in the chest it may
cause trouble breathing.

Serious blood loss may make you feel:

 Cool when someone touches your skin.

 Dizzy.
 Tired.
 Nauseous.
 Short of breath.
 Weak.

If severe hemorrhage is left untreated, you may experience:

 Chest pain.
 Confusion.
 Faster breathing or heart rate.
  Organ failure.
 Seizures.
 Shock.
 Coma or death.

CARE AND TREATMENT

How is bleeding treated?

Treatment for hemorrhage depends on:

 Where it is in the body.

 How serious the hemorrhage is.
 How much blood may have been lost.
 How the person is feeling overall (for example, symptoms or
other injuries).

Sometimes, external bleeding can be stopped with first aid:

 Apply pressure to the wound with your hands.

 Find a dressing (clean cloth) and press on the wound.
 Tie a tourniquet near the wound, but toward the heart. You can
make a tourniquet from something tied very tightly, such as a
stretchy band, cloth or belt.
 Call 911.

Seek immediate medical attention for external bleeding that won’t

stop, or for suspected internal bleeding. It should be treated in an
emergency room.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else is bleeding
externally or may be bleeding internally and:

 Can’t breathe normally.

 Coughs or spits up blood.
  Faints.
 Has bleeding that can’t be stopped.
 Has severe chest or belly pain.
 Has cold or “clammy” skin.
 Is dizzy, light-headed or confused.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Hemorrhage is loss of blood from a damaged blood vessel. It can be

minor such as a bruise or major such as damage to an internal organ.
External bleeding is visible and may be easier to notice, but be aware
of the signs of internal bleeding. Seek medical attention if you are
unsure.