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Mild bleeding describes an everyday occurrence – a small cut from a slipped knife or from shaving, or a nosebleed. The body is normally able to stop these quickly through platelets, a special blood cell, and through clotting factors. Mild bleeding can be handled at home with a bandage.
Moderate bleeding usually involves a larger blood vessel than a small bleed. The cut may have unluckily gone through a vein, or it may be that a small bleed can continue to bleed due to deficiencies in the clotting systems. Aspirin in particular can make a small bleed into a moderate bleed. Moderate bleeding can usually be taken care of at home with direct pressure, often for several minutes until bleeding stops, then a pressure bandage. Bleeding that cannot be controlled this way requires medical attention.
Severe bleeding is often life-threatening. All bleeding can be both internal or external, but internal bleeding, because it may not be recognized and can’t be easily stopped, is more serious. Severe bleeds include lacerations to arteries, serious internal bleeding or a major injury over an extended area. Severe bleeding needs immediate medical attention.
Moderate bleeding usually involves a larger blood vessel than a small bleed. The cut may have unluckily gone through a vein, or it may be that a small bleed can continue to bleed due to deficiencies in the clotting systems. Aspirin in particular can make a small bleed into a moderate bleed. Moderate bleeding can usually be taken care of at home with direct pressure, often for several minutes until bleeding stops, then a pressure bandage. Bleeding that cannot be controlled this way requires medical attention.
Severe bleeding is often life-threatening. All bleeding can be both internal or external, but internal bleeding, because it may not be recognized and can’t be easily stopped, is more serious. Severe bleeds include lacerations to arteries, serious internal bleeding or a major injury over an extended area. Severe bleeding needs immediate medical attention.
Continue Learning about Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.