In the medical community the term is reserved for significant or severe bleeding, which may be life-threatening. Bleeding can occur from any body orifice, such as the mouth, ears, or anus, but can also occur from trauma such as a deep cut. Taking blood thinning medications, such as coumadin or heparin, can increase the risk of bleeding.
In medicine, hemorrhage is categorized by how severe it is. For comparison purposes, donating blood typically means a loss of 5-10% of total blood volume.
Category 1: Up to 15% of total blood has been lost. No treatment is typically needed.
Category 2:15-30% blood loss. Typically requires IV fluid, and may produce fatigue, lightheadedness and paleness.
Category 3: 30-40% blood loss. Requires medical attention and may require fluids and transfusion with donated blood. Patient may become combative, irritable, confused, weak, fatigued, tired and pale.
Category 4: More than 40% blood loss. Requires aggressive emergency medical treatment with both blood replacement and fluids given IV. A life-threatening condition, medical attention must be sought immediately and blood loss must be stopped for patient to survive.
