Bleeding, hemorrhage, haemorrhage or blood loss, is blood escaping from the circulatory system from damaged blood vessels. Bleeding can occur internally, or externally either through a natural opening such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethra, vagina, or anus, or through a puncture in the skin. Bruising or bleeding after an injury is normal (see also How Blood Clots).

Understanding the Context

However, some people have disorders that cause them to bruise or bleed too easily. Sometimes people bleed without any obvious triggering event or injury. Find out what to do in case of hemorrhage, or bleeding. Discover how to recognize a medical emergency, the complications, and more.

Key Insights

Learn about the basics of bleeding disorders, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Get the facts you need to better understand and manage your bleeding disorder. Bleeding is defined as the loss of blood. The organs and blood vessels contain blood. If any of these is damaged, blood can flow freely inside or outside the body.

Final Thoughts

If blood flows inside the body, it’s referred to as internal bleeding. Internal bleeding happens when your blood vessels break and blood collects inside your body. There are several causes of internal bleeding that range in severity. Bleeding can be caused by injuries, or it can be spontaneous. Spontaneous bleeding most commonly occurs with problems in the joints, or gastrointestinal or urogenital tracts. This article will discuss the different types of bleeding in more detail, including internal and external bleeding, and provide tips for first aid.