What Is GI Bleeding?

GI bleeding refers to bleeding anywhere in the digestive tract — from the food pipe (esophagus) to the anus. It may appear suddenly or be slow and unnoticed for a long time.

It can be classified as:

• • Upper GI Bleed – from the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine
• • Lower GI Bleed – from the colon, rectum, or anus

Warning Signs of GI Bleeding

• • Vomiting blood (red or like coffee grounds)
• • Passing black, sticky stools (melena)
• • Bright red blood in stool (hematochezia)
• • Weakness, dizziness, or fainting
• • Abdominal pain or cramps
• • Pale skin or tiredness due to blood loss
• • Drop in blood pressure in severe cases

⚠️ Important: Even if bleeding stops, the cause must be identified and treated to prevent recurrence or serious complications.

❓ What Causes GI Bleeding?

Upper GI Bleeding:

• • Peptic ulcers (stomach or duodenal ulcers)
• • Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
• • Esophageal varices (swollen veins, common in liver disease)
• • Mallory-Weiss tear (tear from vomiting)
• • Tumors or cancers

Lower GI Bleeding:

• • Hemorrhoids or anal fissures
• • Diverticulosis
• • Colonic polyps or cancer
• • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• • Infections or ischemic colitis

🧪 How Is It Diagnosed?

• • Blood tests – to assess blood loss and anemia
• • Stool test – to check for hidden (occult) blood
• • Endoscopy (Upper GI)
• • Colonoscopy (Lower GI)
• • CT Angiography or Capsule Endoscopy
• • Nasogastric tube aspiration

🩹 How Is GI Bleeding Treated?

⭐ Immediate Management:

• • IV fluids or blood transfusion if required
• • Hospitalization
• • Stop blood thinners if advised

⭐ Endoscopic Treatment:

• • Injection of medicines
• • Clipping or banding of bleeding vessels
• • Cauterization

⭐ Other Treatments:

• • Medications – PPIs, antibiotics, or IBD drugs
• • Surgery
• • Angiographic embolization

🛡️ Can It Be Prevented?

• • Avoid excess painkillers (NSAIDs)
• • Treat ulcers and acid reflux early
• • Manage liver disease
• • Get regular colonoscopy after age 45–50
• • Eat high-fiber diet to avoid hemorrhoids

✅ Good to Know

• • Many causes of GI bleeding are treatable and preventable
• • Never ignore blood in vomit or stool
• • Repeated bleeding may cause anemia
• • Early diagnosis saves lives