🩺 Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to bleeding anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the rectum. It can be a sign of a serious condition and requires prompt medical attention.

🔍 Key Points:

Cause:

GI bleeding can occur in the upper or lower parts of the digestive system.
Upper GI bleeding (esophagus, stomach, duodenum) is often caused by peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, or Mallory-Weiss tears.
Lower GI bleeding (colon, rectum, small intestine) may result from conditions like diverticulosis, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or hemorrhoids.
Symptoms:

Hematemesis (vomiting blood) or coffee-ground vomit (indicating old blood).
Melena (black, tarry stools) from upper GI bleeding.
Hematochezia (bright red blood in stool) from lower GI bleeding.
Fatigue, dizziness, or pallor due to significant blood loss.
Diagnosis:

Endoscopy is used for upper GI bleeding, allowing direct visualization and possible treatment of the bleeding source.
Colonoscopy is used to locate lower GI bleeding.
Other tests include CT scans, angiography, and blood tests to assess the severity of blood loss.
Treatment:

Endoscopic intervention: Using tools like clips or cautery to stop the bleeding during an endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid, and in cases of variceal bleeding, vasopressors.
Blood transfusions: In cases of severe blood loss to restore blood volume.
Surgery: In cases where endoscopic treatments fail to stop the bleeding.
Prevention:

Manage conditions that can lead to GI bleeding, like peptic ulcers, GERD, and colon polyps.
Avoid excessive use of NSAIDs and alcohol, both of which can damage the stomach lining.
💡 Takeaway: GI bleeding is a potentially serious condition that requires immediate medical care. Identifying the source and addressing the underlying cause is crucial for treatment.

Stay informed and protect your digestive health! Follow Extra Time for more medical insights.

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