It refers to the output or loss of blood from within the blood vessels of about 1500-2000 cc. Bleeding can be arterial, venous or capillary and can be of internal (inside the body) or external (outside the body) origin.
It can be caused by accidents, injuries, ulcers, varicose veins and other diseases.
Clinical symptoms may include pallor, cold sweats, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tachypnoea (rapid breathing), weakness, drop in body temperature, hypotension (low blood pressure), confusion and/or lethargy.
The diagnosis is made by a clinical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include a complete blood count and imaging studies, depending on the cause of the bleeding.
Treatment must be done in hospital. It is based on maintaining vital signs, replacing lost blood volume and stopping the source of bleeding with bandages, stitches and/or surgical treatment.
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