Gastrointestinal bleeding is an indication of a disorder in the digestive tract. Blood may be visible in vomit or stool, or it may remain hidden. The condition can vary from mild to severe and can become life-threatening. Early diagnosis helps locate the source, while treatment is guided by the cause and the severity of the bleeding.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may be visible (overt) or hidden (occult), depending on the bleeding site and rate.
Overt symptoms include:
- Vomiting blood, which may be red or dark brown like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools
- Rectal bleeding is often seen with stool
Occult symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
Symptoms of shock may include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pale, cool, and clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced or absent urination
- Bluish or gray lips or fingernails
- Anxiety, agitation, or confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid pulse and breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Enlarged pupils
Why does this disease occur?
Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in the upper or lower digestive tract.
Upper GI causes:
- Peptic ulcers, caused by acid damage or the use of medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin
- Mallory-Weiss tears in the esophagus due to severe vomiting or alcohol use
- Esophageal varices linked to liver disease
- Portal hypertensive gastropathy is also related to liver disease
- Esophagitis caused by acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Abnormal blood vessels that may leak or rupture
- Hiatal hernia causing stomach lining erosion
- Tumors, though rare, are found in the upper digestive tract
Lower GI causes:
- Diverticular disease with inflamed or infected pouches
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Proctitis, or inflammation of the rectum lining
- Tumors in the esophagus, colon, rectum, or stomach
- Colon polyps, which may bleed and sometimes become cancerous
- Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum
- Anal fissures, small tears in the anal lining
Who is at risk of this disease?
People at higher risk include those who:
- Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs frequently
- Consume excessive alcohol
- Have liver disease
- Suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Have a history of digestive tract disorders
What are the possible complications?
Gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to:
- Anemia due to blood loss
- Shock in severe cases
- Death if not treated promptly
When should you see a doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- You vomit blood
- You notice blood in stool or black, tarry stools
- You experience symptoms of shock
Also, consult a doctor if any signs of GI bleeding appear, even if mild.
How is this disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination.
Doctors may order the following tests:
- Blood tests to assess blood count, clotting, platelets, and liver function
- Stool tests to detect hidden bleeding
- Nasogastric lavage to examine stomach contents
- Upper endoscopy to view the upper digestive tract
- Colonoscopy to examine the large intestine and rectum
- Capsule endoscopy using a camera capsule that travels through the digestive tract
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy to inspect the rectum and lower colon
- Balloon-assisted enteroscopy for the small intestine
- Angiography to locate and treat bleeding vessels
- Imaging tests such as CT scans
In severe and unexplained cases, surgery may be required to identify the bleeding source. This is uncommon.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on the location and severity of bleeding.
- Some cases stop without intervention
- Procedures during endoscopy or colonoscopy can treat bleeding sources, such as ulcers or polyps
- Proton pump inhibitors may be given to reduce stomach acid in upper GI bleeding
- IV fluids or blood transfusions may be needed in significant blood loss
- Blood-thinning medications, including aspirin and NSAIDs, may need to be stopped
How can you take care of yourself at home?
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
- Avoid unnecessary use of medications that may irritate the stomach
- Monitor symptoms and report any worsening
- Maintain a balanced diet as advised by your healthcare provider
How can this disease be prevented?
- Limit the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking if applicable
- Follow proper treatment for GERD if diagnosed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can gastrointestinal bleeding stop without treatment?
Yes, in some cases it may resolve spontaneously, but a medical evaluation is still necessary.
Q2. Is gastrointestinal bleeding always visible?
No, it can be hidden and only detected through medical tests.
Important Note: This information is for awareness purposes only. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
