Haemorrhage

Haemorrhages are serious medical conditions, and quick, correct action can be life-saving. Awareness and prevention are crucial, but seeking immediate medical help is essential when haemorrhage occurs.

 

1. What is Haemorrhage?

Haemorrhage is the medical term for bleeding, which can occur inside or outside the body. It involves the loss of blood from blood vessels, either externally from wounds or internally within tissues or organs. Severe haemorrhage can lead to shock and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

2. What Causes Haemorrhage?

• Trauma or Injury: Accidents, falls, and violent injuries (e.g., gunshot or stab wounds) can cause blood vessels to rupture.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like aneurysms, cancer, and blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia) can increase the risk of bleeding.
• High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of haemorrhages, particularly in the brain.
• Medication: Blood thinners or certain medications can interfere with blood clotting, raising the risk of bleeding.
• Surgery or Medical Procedures: Certain procedures can result in unintended bleeding.
• Pregnancy-Related Issues: Conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or placental abruption can lead to haemorrhage.
• Alcohol or Substance Abuse: Excessive use of alcohol or drugs can damage organs and blood vessels over time.

3. Prevention of Haemorrhage

• Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and blood disorders through regular check-ups and medications.
• Use Protective Gear: In high-risk activities (e.g., sports, construction), use appropriate protective equipment to minimize injury.
• Avoid Alcohol or Smoking: These can weaken blood vessels and impair healing.
• Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: Maintain strong blood vessel walls by eating a balanced diet and exercising.
• Medication Precaution: Only take blood-thinning medications as directed, and always inform healthcare providers about them before any procedures.

4. Different Types of Haemorrhage

Haemorrhages are generally classified based on location:

• External Haemorrhage: Bleeding from an external wound on the skin, often visible and easier to control.
• Internal Haemorrhage: Occurs inside the body and can affect organs, tissues, or cavities, often harder to detect.

Types of Internal Haemorrhage:

• Intracranial Haemorrhage: Bleeding within the skull, such as a subdural or epidural hematoma or intracerebral haemorrhage. It often results from head trauma or aneurysms.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Haemorrhage: Bleeding in the digestive tract, which can occur from conditions like ulcers, varices, or cancers.
• Pulmonary Haemorrhage: Bleeding within the lungs, often caused by conditions such as tuberculosis or trauma.
• Abdominal Haemorrhage: Bleeding within the abdominal cavity, possibly from ruptured organs or internal injuries.
• Postpartum Haemorrhage: Severe bleeding after childbirth, often due to uterine atony or retained placenta.

5. How to Detect Haemorrhage

• External Haemorrhage: Visible bleeding, often accompanied by symptoms of blood loss such as dizziness or fainting.
• Signs of Internal Haemorrhage:
  • Brain: Severe headache, confusion, weakness, vision problems, seizures.
  • Chest/Lungs: Shortness of breath, coughing up blood.
  • Abdomen: Severe abdominal pain, swelling, bloody stools or vomit.
  • General Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, fainting.

Diagnosis may require:

• Imaging (CT, MRI) to detect brain or internal organ haemorrhages.
• Endoscopy or Colonoscopy to visualize gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Blood Tests to identify signs of blood loss and to determine clotting function.

6. What to Do if You Experience a Haemorrhage

• Seek Immediate Help: Internal haemorrhages require emergency medical attention; call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
• Apply Direct Pressure (if external): Use clean cloths or bandages to apply pressure to an external wound to control bleeding.
• Stay Still: Minimize movement to prevent further blood loss and reduce strain on injured blood vessels.
• Raise the Bleeding Area (if possible): For example, elevate a bleeding limb above the heart level to slow the flow of blood.

7. What Not to Do After a Haemorrhage

• Don’t Engage in Strenuous Activities: Rest and avoid heavy lifting or activities that could re-open the injury or trigger further bleeding.
• Avoid Blood-Thinning Substances: Alcohol, caffeine, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can thin the blood and worsen bleeding.
• Don’t Skip Follow-Up Care: Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments or testing, as some internal bleeding may not resolve completely without monitoring.

8. What to Do if a Person Has a Haemorrhage (First Aid)

For External Bleeding:

• Call for Help: If the bleeding is severe or won’t stop, call 911 immediately.
• Apply Pressure: Use a clean cloth, bandage, or even clothing to apply firm pressure to the wound to slow bleeding.
• Raise the Affected Limb: If possible, elevate the injured area above the heart level.
• Use a Tourniquet (only if severe and trained): If bleeding is uncontrollable and life-threatening, a tourniquet may be applied above the wound. Only use as a last resort and if trained, as improper use can cause serious damage.

For Internal Bleeding:

• Call Emergency Services: Internal bleeding requires immediate medical attention.
• Keep the Person Still and Calm: Encourage them to stay as still as possible to prevent further bleeding.
• Position for Comfort: If they have chest or abdominal pain, help them lie down comfortably with their head slightly elevated, unless this causes discomfort.
• Monitor Vital Signs: Check breathing and pulse if trained, and provide updates to emergency personnel upon their arrival.