Gastrointestinal bleeding indicates a disorder affecting the digestive or gastrointestinal tract, manifesting in various bleeding patterns across any part of the body. If bleeding occurs in the esophagus, stomach, or lining of the small intestine, it is classified as upper GI bleeding. Conversely, if it occurs in the large intestine, rectum, or anus, it is referred to as lower GI bleeding.
Symptoms of GI Bleeding
The symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding can vary based on the bleeding’s location, which can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Common symptoms include:
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Digested blackish blood from the upper GI tract
- Fatigue and dizziness, often accompanied by pale skin
- Red or black stool due to medications
- Black or tarry stool
- Abdominal muscle spasms
- Shortness of breath or gasping
Causes of GI Bleeding
GI bleeding can occur in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal system, stemming from various causes.
Upper GI Bleeding
- Gastric or Peptic Ulcers: These lesions form on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine, often caused by stomach acids damaging the lining due to infections, bacteria, or the use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
- Mallory-Weiss Tears: This syndrome can lead to severe bleeding, especially in excessive drinkers, affecting the lining of the tube connecting the throat and stomach.
- Esophageal Varices: This condition involves abnormal veins in the lower esophagus, commonly seen in individuals with advanced liver disease.
Lower GI Bleeding
- Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when one or more pouches in the gastrointestinal tract become inflamed or infected, known as diverticulosis.
- Anal Fissures: Hard stools can lead to mild bleeding in the rectum due to anal fissures, causing severe pain and reduced bowel movements.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This encompasses chronic inflammation of the digestive tract lining and includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Treatment for Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding may resolve on its own, but treatment is based on the severity and location of the bleeding. Doctors can often stop the bleeding through various examinations, including:
- Colonoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
- Lower endoscopy
- Laparotomy
- Sigmoidoscopy
Important Information
- GI bleeding can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.
- The severity of GI bleeding can range from mild to severe.
- The intensity of bleeding may differ from person to person based on the underlying cause.
