Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Overview of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is not a disease. It is a symptom of a disorder or any problem in the digestive tract which can occur in any part of the digestive system. Symptoms and treatment may vary depending on the type of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
The common symptom of GI bleeding includes blood in the vomit or stool, and black or tarry stool. Other symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pale skin
- Abdominal pain
- Coffee ground appearance of vomit
Other symptoms include weight loss, anemia, fever, dehydration, and low blood pressure.
Types of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
There are two types of GI bleeding
- Upper GI bleeding
- Lower GI bleeding
Upper GI bleeding can occur in the upper part of the digestive tract like esophagus, stomach, and initial part of the small intestine. Lower GI bleeding can occur in the lower part of the small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
GI bleeding is caused by many conditions. Common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding includes:
- Stomach ulcer (Peptic ulcer)
- Esophagitis or Inflammation of esophagus
- Hemorrhoids
- Colitis
- Cancer or tumor of the stomach
- Colon polyps
- Diverticular disease
- Anal fissures
Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Prevention
Diagnosis
A doctor will perform a complete history and physical examination to evaluate the problem. Diagnosis may include:
- A digital rectal examination
- Blood test
- Stool test
- Endoscopy/ colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Gastric lavage
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Bleeding | When to Consult a Doctor
Treatment will depend on the cause of bleeding
- If the bleeding is from the upper digestive tract. A medication is carried out using an endoscope to directly inject the medicine into the bleeding site.
- A clip may be placed on the bleeding blood vessel to seal it to prevent blood loss.
- Sometimes heat is used to treat the bleeding site via laser or a probe.
- In some cases, medication also includes antibiotics to clear H. pylori infection and allow peptic ulcers to heal.
- Inhibit the use of medication or practices that are causing bleeding or ulceration.
- Surgery is also performed in severe cases.
Related Medicines
Doctors to treat Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Pakistan
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