The term hemorrhage is used in the medical field to describe bleeding. There are many different types of hemorrhages that may occur, each requiring different levels of medical treatment.

The least concerning hemorrhages are those characterized as minor traumatic bleeding. These types of hemorrhage result from small wounds. The loss of blood from minor hemorrhages is not considered dangerous. In addition, the bleeding stops on its own without the need for medical intervention. The only area of concern with such types of hemorrhage is the possibility of infection setting in, which is a concern with all types of hemorrhage.

Severe traumatic bleeding is a greater cause for concern than minor hemorrhages. With severe hemorrhages, a cloth used to cover the hemorrhage will become soaked in blood within a manner of seconds. If the bleeding is not stopped and the wound is not tended to, the person can die within a few minutes from loss of blood.

Hemorrhages may also be categorized as externalized bleeding. These hemorrhages are characterized by blood flowing form orifices that are naturally found on the body, such as the ears, nose, mouth, urethra, vagina, or anus. With these hemorrhages, the bleeding starts internally and is caused by disease or trauma. This is not the same as internal bleeding, however, which refers to hemorrhages that occur inside the body and cannot be seen from the outside.

Common internal hemorrhages occur in the arteries, veins, and capillaries. Internal hemorrhages affecting the arteries, which are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the heart, are referred to as arterial bleeding. These hemorrhages are difficult to control and life threatening.

Internal hemorrhages affecting the veins, which return the blood to the heart, are called venous bleeding. These types of hemorrhage are easier to control than arterial hemorrhages. While requiring medical attention, venous bleeding is not as serious as arterial hemorrhages.

Bleeding of the capillaries is called capillary bleeding. The capillaries are the smallest vessels in the body. These internal hemorrhages are easier to control than arterial and venous hemorrhages, but the slow nature of the bleeding makes them highly susceptible to infection.

Brain hemorrhages are another form of internal bleeding. With brain hemorrhages, the blood may collect in the spaces between the brain and its membranes or within the brain tissue. It may affect one part of the brain or be located in only one hemisphere. If not treated properly and immediately, brain hemorrhages can be fatal or cause permanent damage.