About this topic
Gastrointestinal bleeding is when bleeding occurs in the digestive tract. It is also called GI bleeding. It can be anywhere from the mouth to the anus. The anus is the opening where stool leaves the body. GI bleeding is most often a sign of some other health problem. It is often hard to find the cause. When it happens in the upper digestive tract it is called upper GI bleeding. The stool can be very dark, almost black in color, and tarry. When it is in the lower digestive tract it is lower GI bleeding. The stool is most often red in color. There may be very little blood or a lot of blood. GI bleeding may be very serious. You may need to have a colonoscopy or endoscopy to stop the bleeding. ‚
What are the causes?
Bleeding in the upper GI tract may be caused by: ‚
- Ulcers and problems with the stomach lining
- Large blood vessels
- Irritation or tears in the esophagus or throat
- Tumors or cancer
- Long term illnesses such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis
Bleeding in the lower GI tract may be caused by: ‚
- Problems in the bowels
- Long term illnesses such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Polyps or cancer
Bleeding can also be caused by some kinds of drugs. Drinking alcohol and taking NSAIDs can make this more likely to happen. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Bright red blood in throw up or stool
- Throw up that looks like coffee grounds
- Dark blood mixed in the stool
- Black or tarry stools
You may also have other signs if you have lost a lot of blood. You may feel weak or dizzy. Some people are short of breath or faint. Others have belly cramps or loose stools. Your blood pressure may lower and your heart rate may go up. If the bleeding continues, your body may go into shock. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Tests like an endoscopy or colonoscopy to look at the GI tract
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
In an emergency, patients are treated in an intensive care unit. The doctor will start testing right away to find out why you have bleeding. The treatment will depend on what is causing the bleeding. You may need to have I.V. fluids, blood transfusions, and oxygen until you are stable. GI bleeding may be treated with drugs or surgery. Sometimes your doctor will need to place a clip or band to stop the bleeding. Other times the place that is bleeding is heated so a scar forms and the bleeding stops. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Your doctor will want to treat the problem that is causing the bleeding. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Keep blood pressure up
- Prevent nausea
- Keep the bleeding from happening again once it has been stopped
What problems could happen?
- Low red cell count
- Low hemoglobin
- Low blood pressure
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Colon cancer screening should be started at age 50. Your doctor may tell you to have testing done earlier if there is a family history of cancer. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American College of Gastroenterology ‚
http://patients.gi.org/topics/small-bowel-bleeding/ ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/bleeding/index.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚