Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs within the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Gastrointestinal bleeding can range from mild to severe and can manifest as visible blood in the stool or as invisible blood that is detected through laboratory tests.

Positive fecal occult blood test

Causes

• Gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by various factors, including:
• Peptic ulcers: Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Esophageal varices: Enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus, often seen in individuals with liver disease.
• Colorectal polyps or cancer: Abnormal growths or malignancies in the colon or rectum.
• Diverticulosis: Small pouches that develop in the lining of the colon, which can sometimes bleed.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that can cause bleeding.
• Gastrointestinal infections: Infections such as Helicobacter pylori or Clostridium difficile can lead to bleeding.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding can vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding. Common symptoms may include:
• Vomiting of blood: Bright red or dark-colored blood may be vomited.
• Passing black, tarry stools: This indicates the presence of digested blood in the stool.
• Bright red blood in the stool: Blood may be visible in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper.
• Fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath: These symptoms may occur if there is significant blood loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (such as endoscopy or colonoscopy), and sometimes angiography. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding and may include medications, endoscopic interventions, blood transfusions, or surgery.

See Also

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastritis
• Esophageal varices
• Colorectal cancer
• Diverticulosis
• Hemorrhoids

References

• "Gastrointestinal bleeding". Mayo Clinic.
• "Gastrointestinal Bleeding". MedlinePlus.
• "Gastrointestinal Bleeding". American College of Gastroenterology.

External Links

Gastrointestinal Bleeding - American Gastroenterological Association Gastrointestinal Bleeding - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Gastrointestinal bleeding Resources
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