Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding describes any blood loss that occurs through the digestive tract. It has diverse causes, and a medical history, as well as physical examination, generally distinguishes between the main forms.

The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, life-threatening bleeding. Initial emphasis is on resuscitation by infusion of intravenous fluids and blood transfusion, treatment with proton pump inhibitors and occasionally with vasopressin analogues and tranexamic acid.

Upper endoscopy or colonoscopy are generally considered appropriate to identify the source of bleeding and carry out therapeutic interventions.

Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Find common causes and risk factors of Gastrointestinal Bleeding:

• Peptic ulcers.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Bowel inflammation.
• Hemorrhoids.
• Duodenal ulcer.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Intestinal vasculitis.
• Radiation injury to the bowel.
• Anal fissure.
• Bleeding diverticulum.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Sign and symptoms may include the following:

• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue.
• Abdominal pain.
• Weakness.

Treatment for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Treatment may include:

• Blood transfusions.
• Emergency treatment.
• Oxygen.