Wound is a physical injury that breaks the skin or damages underlying tissues, causing a disruption in the body’s surface, while Bbleeding refers to the loss of blood from a wound or damaged blood vessel, which can occur when the skin is broken or injured; essentially, a wound that is actively releasing blood is considered a “bleeding wound.”.
Bleeding, also known as hemorrhaging, is the loss of blood from the body. It can occur internally or externally and can be caused by various factors.
TYPES OF BLEEDING
1. External bleeding: Visible bleeding from a cut, wound, or injury.
2. Internal bleeding: Bleeding that occurs inside the body, often due to injury, surgery, or medical conditions.
CAUSES OF BLEEDING
1. Injury or trauma: Cuts, wounds, or injuries can cause bleeding.
2. Medical conditions: Conditions like hemophilia, cancer, or bleeding disorders can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Surgery or medical procedures: Bleeding can occur during or after surgery.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, can increase the risk of bleeding.
SYMPTOMS OF BLEEDING
1. Visible blood: External bleeding is often visible.
2. Pain or discomfort: Internal bleeding can cause pain or discomfort.
3. Swelling or bruising: Internal bleeding can cause swelling or bruising.
4. Weakness or dizziness: Severe bleeding can cause weakness or dizziness.
TREATMENT FOR BLEEDING
1. First aid: Apply pressure to external wounds to stop bleeding.
2. Medical attention: Seek medical attention for severe or internal bleeding.
3. Transfusions: Blood transfusions may be necessary for severe bleeding.
4. Surgery: Surgery may be required to stop internal bleeding.
PREVENTION
1. Practice safety: Use protective gear and follow safety guidelines to prevent injuries.
2. Manage medical conditions: Work with your healthcare provider to manage medical conditions that increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Use medications safely: Follow instructions and consult your healthcare provider about medications that increase the risk of bleeding.
KEY POINTS ABOUT WOUNDS AND BLEEDING:
Types of wounds:
Cuts, scrapes, abrasions, punctures, lacerations are all examples of wounds.
Types of bleeding:
External bleeding (visible blood from an open wound) and internal bleeding (blood leakage within the body).
Minor bleeding
Small cuts and abrasions that are not bleeding excessively can be managed at home. First aid suggestions include:
Clean the injured area with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline or clean water. Do not use cotton wool or any material that will fray or leave fluff in the wound.
Apply an appropriate dressing such as a band aid or a non-adhesive dressing held in place with a hypoallergenic tape. This dressing must be changed regularly.
See your doctor if you can’t remove the dirt yourself. A dirty wound carries a high risk of infection.
If you have not had a booster vaccine against tetanus in the last 5 years, see your doctor.
Nosebleeds
Bleeding from the nose is usually not severe. First aid suggestions include:
Sit the person upright and ask them to tilt their head forward.
Using the thumb and fo
refinger, squeeze their nostrils shut.