Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding, also known as GI bleeding, refers to any form of bleeding that occurs within the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).

Causes

• Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (peptic ulcers)
• Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulosis, a condition characterized by small pouches in the wall of the colon
• Angiodysplasia, a condition where blood vessels in the GI tract become fragile and prone to bleeding
• Cancer of the stomach or colon
• Trauma to the GI tract
• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease
• Medications that can irritate the stomach lining, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin

Symptoms

• Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
• Black, tarry stools (melena)
• Bright red blood in the stool (hematochezia)
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness or fatigue due to blood loss
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

Diagnosis

Diagnosing gastrointestinal bleeding typically involves a combination of the following tests:

• Endoscopy, which allows visualization of the upper or lower GI tract using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end
• Colonoscopy, which is similar to endoscopy but used for the lower GI tract
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, to visualize the GI tract and surrounding structures
• Blood tests to check for anemia, blood clotting disorders, or other underlying conditions that may be contributing to the bleeding
• Stool tests to check for hidden blood in the stool

Treatment

Treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. It may include:

• Fluid replacement and blood transfusions to replace lost blood volume
• Medications to reduce acid production in the stomach or protect the stomach lining
• Endoscopic treatments, such as cauterization or clipping of bleeding vessels
• Surgery to repair any damage to the GI tract or remove the source of bleeding
• Treatment of underlying conditions that may be contributing to the bleeding, such as IBD or cancer