Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage, refers to any bleeding that occurs within the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.
Symptoms and Signs:
- Vomiting: May include bright red blood or blood that looks like coffee grounds.
- Other: Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
- Stool: May be black and tarry (melena) or contain bright red blood (hematochezia).
Causes:
- Upper GI Bleeding: Peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, gastritis, and Mallory-Weiss tears.
- Lower GI Bleeding: Hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), polyps, colon cancer, and angiodysplasia.
Diagnosis:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: A doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a physical examination.
- Tests: Blood tests (to check for anemia), fecal occult blood test (to detect hidden blood in stool), and endoscopy (to visualize the GI tract).
Treatment:
- Emergency Care: For severe bleeding, this may include intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and medications to stop the bleeding.
- Endoscopic Procedures: During an endoscopy, doctors can treat bleeding ulcers, remove polyps, or stop bleeding from other sources.
- Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce stomach acid production, and other medications may be used to treat the underlying cause of the bleeding.
- Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to control the bleeding.
Important Considerations:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you experience any symptoms of GI bleeding, seek medical attention promptly.
- Underlying Conditions: GI bleeding is often a symptom of an underlying condition, so it's important to identify and treat the cause.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Certain foods and lifestyle choices can contribute to GI bleeding, so it's important to follow a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and smoking.