GI bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GI bleeding) is a significant medical condition that involves bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract consists of two segments: the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine; and the lower gastrointestinal tract, which includes the latter part of the small intestine, the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. GI bleeding can manifest in various ways and can range from minor to life-threatening conditions.

Causes

GI bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, depending on the location within the gastrointestinal tract. In the upper GI tract, common causes include peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices related to cirrhosis, and Mallory-Weiss tears. In the lower GI tract, causes can include diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), hemorrhoids, and colorectal cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of GI bleeding can vary widely and may include hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black, tarry stools), hematochezia (passing bright red blood from the rectum), and anemia due to chronic blood loss. The severity of symptoms often depends on the rate and location of the bleeding.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of GI bleeding typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These may include endoscopy for the upper GI tract, colonoscopy for the lower GI tract, capsule endoscopy, and imaging studies such as CT scan or angiography.

Treatment

Treatment for GI bleeding depends on the cause, location, and severity of the bleeding. It may include medical management with drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors for peptic ulcers), endoscopic procedures (such as banding for esophageal varices or clipping and cauterization for bleeding ulcers), surgery, and in some cases, transfusion of blood products.

Prevention

Preventive measures for GI bleeding include the management of risk factors such as avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in individuals at risk for peptic ulcers, treating underlying liver disease to prevent cirrhosis, and screening for colorectal cancer as recommended.