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Definition:
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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:
- Upper GI bleeding: The upper GI tract includes the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
- Lower GI bleeding: The lower GI tract includes much of the small intestine, large intestine or bowels, rectum, and anus.
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Alternative Names:
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Lower GI bleeding; GI bleeding; Upper GI bleeding
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Considerations:
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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.
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Common Causes:
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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:
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Home Care:
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There are home stool tests for microscopic blood that may be recommended for people with anemia or for colon cancer screening.
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Call your health care provider if:
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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
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What to expect at your health care provider's office:
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GI bleeding is diagnosed by a doctor -- you may or may not be aware of its presence.
GI bleeding can be an emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve:
- Blood transfusions
- Fluids and medicines through a vein
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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) - a thin tube with a camera on the end is passed through your mouth into your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
- A tube is placed through your mouth into the stomach to drain the stomach contents (gastric lavage)
Once your condition is stable, you will have a physical examination, including a detailed abdominal examination.
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:
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References:
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Bjorkman D. GI hemorrhage and occult GI bleeding. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 137.
Savides TJ, Jensen DM. Gastrointestinal bleeding. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 19.
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