If blood comes out of the human tissue or the vessels, one speaks of one Bleeding. Bleeding is usually a serious warning sign of various illnesses or injuries. Therefore, in case of doubt, a doctor should always be consulted. However, minor bleeding is stopped by the body through the clotting of the blood and it also heals itself over time.
What is bleeding?
An open wound with bleeding should be disinfected and rinsed with water. A tetanus vaccination should always be renewed in this context.Bleeding is the term used to describe the leakage of blood from the human bloodstream, which is sometimes harmless, in other cases can lead to serious consequences. This can be an external bleeding that is on the skin and is visible, but also invisible internal bleeding that only becomes apparent as such through other symptoms.
Some internal bleeding causes characteristic bruises on the skin, while organic bleeding can sometimes go undetected for a long time and cause damage.
causes
The causes of bleeding can be many. Safe bleeding is usually minor injuries, such as needle sticks or small cuts. Bleeding caused by illness should always be examined by a doctor, even in the case of more harmless diseases such as bleeding from the hemorrhoids.
As already mentioned, the most common cause of bleeding is injuries caused by external influences. External bleeding on the skin through cuts, abrasions or other harmful influences trigger an immediate leakage of blood to the surface of the skin. Bruises, tears in the capsule or bruises are caused by bleeding that occurs under the skin or around the joints. The leaked blood coagulates inside the body and is mostly visible as a blue-green discoloration that is gradually broken down. Such bleeding is caused by the effects of blows or bumps.
Internal bleeding affects the internal organs of the human body. They can appear anywhere in the blood and pulmonary circulation and often go unnoticed if only a small amount of blood escapes. This can be the case, for example, if an ulcer forms on an internal organ. In the long term, smaller amounts of blood leak from the affected area, which add up over time and can lead to anemia, among other things. Life-threatening internal bleeding can occur in traffic accidents, for example. With major injuries there is a risk of bleeding to death.
A special form of bleeding occurs in women: menstruation. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern. Even during pregnancy there may be light bleeding in the beginning, which is also harmless.
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➔ Drugs for wound treatment and injuriesDiseases with this symptom
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Cut
- Ebola
- Sore rose
- heatstroke
- Uterine tear
- Bleeding disorder
- Tendon tear
- Laceration
- tumor
- Ruptured spleen
- Cardiac neurosis
Complications
Bleeding, once it becomes relatively severe, can lead to massive complications. However, the bleeding must always be viewed in connection with the triggering event and the place of occurrence. If you injure your finger on a piece of paper, for example, you will definitely suffer from bleeding; However, this will not result in serious consequences or even complications. In the case of bleeding from internal organs, however, the probability of complications is to be assessed much higher.
In general, a loss of blood means a weakening of the organism. The loss of blood decreases the volume of blood circulating in the body. This has to be compensated. First, the balance is attempted by removing water. If the volume of circulating blood falls below a certain value, what is known as hemorrhagic shock occurs. In this case, the blood supply to the organs is no longer guaranteed. From this point in time at the latest, there is an acute danger to life. The hemorrhagic shock occurs only with heavy bleeding. If it cannot be compensated, it leads to death. In this case, the Bleed to death spoken.
Another complication of heavy bleeding is anemia, also popularly known as 'anemia'. This means that the hemoglobin content of the blood is reduced and the proportion of erythrocytes in the blood is too low.
Even with slight bleeding, the body can weaken with tiredness, dizziness, circulatory problems and similar complaints.
When should you go to the doctor?
One can determine quite precisely which bleeding makes it necessary to go to the doctor. The female menstrual bleeding is not one of them, unless it is unusually heavy, absent or painful. Even during menopause, women should see a gynecologist regularly.
Small scratches and cuts, such as those in the household, in the garden or when children play, are also harmless. However, those concerned should be vaccinated against tetanus, the tetanus. This is generally beneficial for everyone. In the case of larger wounds, those affected are best looked after by the accident doctor or sports doctor.
Heavy or unusual bleeding belongs in the hands of a specialist. Regular bleeding gums are a matter for the dentist. Frequent nosebleeds should be examined by an ENT doctor to determine whether it is harmless or an expression of an illness. Blood in the urine and stool are reasons to see an internist as soon as possible.
In some people, the legs occasionally bleed when veins burst and the skin is very thin. Here the family doctor can first research the causes. If bleeding becomes festering wounds, a visit to the doctor is essential. Bleeders, on the other hand, have to be careful when they bleed. You will be given medication to help the blood clot better, but if in doubt you should see a doctor.
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Treatment & Therapy
In the event of bleeding from external injuries, the bleeding itself is stopped first, if necessary. The wound is then disinfected and kept sterile. Bruises or other bleeding-related injuries make it necessary to immobilize the affected limb until the clotted blood has been completely broken down.
In the case of slight internal bleeding, the cause must be clarified. Further examinations are necessary for this, for example to identify a tumor focus. Iron infusions are often required to prevent the symptoms of anemia. Heavy bleeding will need to be surgically stopped to prevent too much blood from leaking. Blood transfusions may be required.
The woman's menstrual periods occasionally cause pain, which is treated with pain relievers. If the symptoms are too severe, the bleeding is stopped by hormones.
A plaster or a small bandage is usually sufficient for minor bleeding. This should still be sterile. If the bleeding is heavy, a bandage should be put on to stop the bleeding. The following points should be observed:
- Connect while sitting or lying down to protect the circulation
- Maintain awareness of, do not lose sight of it
- Keep the wound as sterile as possible (wear gloves)
- Do not clean the wound with water (only for bite wounds, chemical burns or burns)
- Do not remove any foreign bodies from the wound in order to rule out the risk of further infection or excessive bleeding
- Do not put any foreign matter in the wound (also no home remedies)
Any bleeding or wound should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible (no more than six hours). Vaccination may also need to be considered.
Outlook & forecast
Bleeding can be severe if it is not properly treated. Of course, it always depends on the severity of the injury. If there is only a superficial injury, it will heal completely within a short time. The prerequisite for this, however, is that the wound is kept clean and pure throughout. Otherwise the affected area can become inflamed very quickly and the course of the disease becomes very unpleasant. In such a case, pus can form, which must be treated with medication.
In many cases, medical care is essential for deeper flesh wounds. Otherwise there is a risk of bleeding to death. In addition, contaminants very quickly get into an open wound, which can lead to inflammation. In the worst case, this course of the disease ends with blood poisoning, which can lead to death. For this reason, the following applies: Wounds should be well cared for right from the start. They should be kept clean and pure, otherwise the course of the disease will be more difficult.
Bleeding must be stopped. A simple plaster is sufficient for minor bleeding. Heavy internal or external bleeding must definitely be treated by a doctor. Otherwise the person will bleed to death.
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➔ Drugs for wound treatment and injuriesprevention
External bleeding and related injuries can be prevented by taking certain safety precautions in everyday life and at work. These also protect against accidents that can lead to more serious internal bleeding.
A woman's menstrual bleeding can be treated with various pain relievers. You can prevent it by taking it easy at the beginning of the bleeding and finding your own methods that can help relieve menstrual pain. Under certain circumstances, you can talk to the gynecologist about a long-term cycle in order to avoid painful bleeding as far as possible and to only get the period occasionally.
You can do that yourself
Arterial and venous bleeding can usually be traced back to cuts or abrasions as well as lacerations. Superficial injuries can be treated yourself without any problems. The person concerned must first clean and disinfect the wound. Disinfectants for cleaning wounds are freely available in pharmacies. The bleeding stops by itself with minor injuries. A plaster or bandage should be applied to facilitate the desired closure and to prevent the wound from tearing open again or contamination. In the case of heavily bleeding wounds, first aid measures are indicated, then the emergency room of the nearest hospital must be visited immediately.
Capillary bleeding occurs mainly around the nose. If you have severe nosebleeds for the first time, a doctor must clarify. However, if the causes are known, those affected can help themselves. If you have an acute nosebleed, you should take a sitting position and place your forehead on a table top. The blood can then be collected in a vessel that is held under the nose. It is also helpful to press your nostrils with your thumb and index finger continuously for several minutes. Many patients also benefit from an ice pack or cold compress that is placed on the neck.