Gastrointestinal bleeding (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2] Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Overview

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract.

Bleeding may come from any site along the GI tract, but is often divided into:

What are the symptoms of Gastrointestinal bleeding?

The amount of GI bleeding may be so small that it can only be detected on a lab test such as the fecal occult blood test. Other signs of GI bleeding include:

  • Dark, tarry stools
  • Larger amounts of blood passed from the rectum
  • Small amounts of blood in the toilet bowl, on toilet paper, or in streaks on stool (feces)
  • Vomiting blood

Massive bleeding from the GI tract can be dangerous. However, even very small amounts of bleeding that occur over a long period of time can lead to problems such as anemia or low blood counts.

Once a bleeding site is found, many therapies are available to stop the bleeding or treat the cause.

What causes Gastrointestinal bleeding?

GI bleeding may be due to conditions that are not serious, including:

However, GI bleeding may also be a sign of more serious diseases and conditions, such as the following cancers of the GI tract:

Other possible causes of GI bleeding include:

Who is at highest risk?

Call for an appointment with your doctor if:

  • You have black, tarry stools (this may be a sign of GI bleeding)
  • You have blood in your stool
  • You vomit blood or you vomit material that looks like coffee grounds

Diagnosis

GI bleeding is diagnosed by a doctor -- you may or may not be aware of its presence.

There are home stool tests for microscopic blood that may be recommended for people with anemia or for colon cancer screening.

You will also be asked questions about your symptoms, including:

  • When did you first notice symptoms?
  • Did you have black, tarry stools or red blood in the stools?
  • Have you vomited blood?
  • Did you vomit material that looks like coffee grounds?
  • Do you have a history of peptic or duodenal ulcers?
  • Have you ever had symptoms like this before?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

Tests that may be done to find the source of the bleeding include:

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call for an appointment with your doctor if:

  • You have black, tarry stools (this may be a sign of GI bleeding)
  • You have blood in your stool
  • You vomit blood or you vomit material that looks like coffee grounds

Treatment options

GI bleeding can be an emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve:

Once your condition is stable, you will have a physical examination, including a detailed abdominal examination.

Where to find medical care for Gastrointestinal bleeding?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Gastrointestinal bleeding

Sources


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