Gastro Intestinal Bleeding: Symptoms, Causes, Test and Treatment

Stomach related problems often cause a lot of trouble to people. These diseases are sometimes mild, sometimes severe. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious disease related to the digestive system, in which bleeding occurs from the organs associated with the digestive system.

Due to this various parts of the body are affected, such as intestine, stomach, rectum and anus etc.

There are two types, in which acute gastrointestinal bleeding occurs suddenly in the body, while chronic gastrointestinal bleeding lasts for a long time and is more serious.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious disease associated with the digestive system. So, let’s know about it in detail and then know the measures to prevent it.

To get started, you’ll need to learn : All About Gastritis

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Table of Contents

Classification

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

  • U.G.I.B. originates in the first part of the stomach or.
  • Duodenum. (U.G.I.B.) it is a common medical condition that results in substantial morbidity, mortality, and medical care cost. It commonly presents with hematemesis (vomiting of blood or coffee ground-like material) and melena (black, tarry stools).

Lower GI Bleeding

  • Originates in the portions of the farther down the digestive system the segment of the small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
  • Diverticular disease, angiodysplasia, polyps hemorrhoids anal fissures most commonly Causes the bleeding.
  • Blood in the stool can result from cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and infectious diarrhea..

Causes for upper G.I. bleeding

If bleeding occurs in the esophagus, stomach, or early part of the small intestine, it is considered normal gastrointestinal bleeding. So, bleeding in the small intestine, large intestine, rectum or anus is called low gastrointestinal bleeding.

In some cases, there can be so little bleeding, sometimes it becomes severe. Considering Some Important Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding While many conditions can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Angiodysplasia

Angiodysplasia occurs when you have abnormal or enlarged blood vessels in your GI tract. These blood vessels can be fragile, which can also lead to bleeding.

Tumors and Cancer

Tumors or cancers in the rectum weaken the lining of the gastrointestinal bleeding tract and can cause people to bleed. But this happens only in very serious cases.

Colitis

Often people complain of ulcer colitis in the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Colon Polyps and Diverticular Disease

Colon polyps can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Diverticular disease can cause GI bleeding when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in your abdominal wall.

Esophagitis

Sometimes gastroesophageal reflux also causes gastrointestinal bleeding. In this, your lower esophageal sphincter weakens and when it relaxes, stomach acid can damage your esophagus and cause bleeding.

Other reasons

  • infection
  • Crohn’s disease
  • serious disease
  • serious injuries
  • hemorrhoid
  • peptic ulcers
  • some medicines

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding depend on its cause and type. But if we talk about some of its common symptoms, then they include-

  • Black or red stools
  • Slight blood in the vomit
  • Paleness in face
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bleeding mixed with feces
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Feeling tired
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Weakness

Severe symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Rapid drop in blood pressure
  • Very little or no urination
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fainting

If you have chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, you may have anemia. Symptoms of anemia can include tiredness and shortness of breath, which can develop over time. Some people may have occult bleeding. You’re bleeding and you don’t know.

Diagnosis

  • History.
  • Blood C.B.C., stool, vomitus studies.
  • Endoscopy.
  • Abdominal ct scan.
  • Ab. M.R.I.
  • X-RAY.
  • Angiography.
  • Bleeding scan.

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Management

The goal of the treatment of G.I. bleeding is to prevent or treat hypovolemic shock and prevent dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and further bleeding.

Medical Management

PPI

Omeprazole and pantoprazole for upper G.I. Source, PPI reduce gastric acid production and enhance healing of bleeding

Antibiotic therapy

For lower G.I. Bleeding:- colonoscopy, angiography An angiography to inject medicine or other material into blood vessels to control. some types of bleeding If endoscopy and angiography do not work the.

the patient may need other treatments or surgery to stop the bleeding 

Tips for a healthy digestive system

Tips for a healthy digestive system
Unhealthy food habits are increasing in our working life. Habits like eating at a desk, eating in between meetings, and then eating in front of the TV in the evening can make your digestive system sick. So follow some basic rules:

  • Don’t eat your meal in a hurry.
  • Take the time to eat slowly.
  • Don’t eat too much
  • Eat small meals 4 to 5 times a day.
  • Eat regularly and try not to skip meals.
  • Avoid overeating just before going to bed.
  • Eat your last meal at least 2 to 3 hours before you lie down.
  • Make sure to drink plenty of water after eating.
  • Keep the weight balanced.
  • Increase the amount of green vegetables and fruits in the diet.

Treatment option depending on the Source of G.I. bleeding

  1. Endoscopic thermal probe:- Can treat bleeding ulcer and other abnormalities by burning the blood vessel or abnormal tissue.
  1. Argon plasma coagulation andRadio-frequency ablation:- It treats the abnormal blood vessels in the small intestine and colon.
  2. Endoscopic clip:- Used to close the bleeding vessels or other defective tissue.
  3. Endoscopic band ligation:- Used notable rubber bands to treat bleeding hemorrhoids and bleeding vessels In the esophagus.
  1. Endoscopic cryotherapy:- Freezes abnormal blood vessel in the stomach.
  2. Angiographic embolization:- Injects particles into a blood vessel directly to stop bleeding.

Treatment includes the following:

  • Secure the airway crystalloid fluid given For high-risk peptic ulcer patients, high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitors.

Upper G.I. Bleed:

  • Treatment Volume replacement.
  • Crystalloids- normal saline.
  • Blood transfusions.

Naso gastric lavage:

  • Endoscopic treatment of bleeding ulcer
  • Sclerotherapy-injecting bleeding ulcer with necrotizing agent to stop bleeding.

Surgical intervention:

  • Removal of part of the stomach.

Frequently Asked Question

How to stop stomach bleeding naturally?

People can prevent some causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Avoid foods and triggers, such as alcohol and smoking that increase gastric secretions. Eat a high-fiber diet to increase the bulk of the stool, which helps prevent diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.

How to stop stomach bleeding from aspirin?

Omeprazole appears to be very effective in reducing both acute gastroduodenal mucosal damage and upper GI bleeding in the high-risk patient taking low-dose aspirin, but data with other anti-ulcer agents are lacking (misoprostol) or inconsistent (ranitidine) at present.

Can stomach bleeding heal on its own?

Often, GI bleeding stops on its own. If it doesn’t, treatment depends on where the bleed is from. In many cases, medication or a procedure to control the bleeding can be given during some tests.

How do doctors check for stomach bleeding?

Doctors most often use upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy to test for acute GI bleeding in the upper and lower GI tracts. Upper GI endoscopy. In an upper GI endoscopy, your doctor feeds an endoscope down your esophagus and into your stomach and duodenum.

What medication can cause gastrointestinal bleeding?

Drugs that can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and ibuprofen, platelet inhibitors such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), clopidogrel and prasugrel, as well as anticoagulants like vitamin-K antagonists, heparin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOAKs).

 

Conclusion

GI bleeding is a severe symptom that needs prompt medical treatment. From tears in the organs in the digestive tract to inflammatory diseases, these causes often require a study by a doctor to diagnose and treat.

Left untreated, they may result in severe complications, including heart attack and shock.

Some causes of bleeding, like hemorrhoids, may be treatable with OTC drugs. It’s best to make an appointment with a doctor to determine the cause of your bleeding.

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