Gastrointestinal Bleeding
(GI Bleeding)

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• Facts and definition of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
• What are the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
• What causes gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
• What are causes and risk factors for upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
• What are causes and risk factors for lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
• How is the cause of upper or lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
• When to seek medical care for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
• What is the outlook for a person with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
• Can gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding be prevented?
• Read more on Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Healthwise

• Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is when bleeding occurs in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The GI tract includes your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. GI bleeding itself is not a disease, but a symptom of any number of conditions.
• The causes and risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding are classified into upper or lower, depending on their location in the GI tract.
• Causes of upper GI bleeding include
  • peptic ulcers,
  • gastritis (bleeding in the stomach),
  • esophageal varices,
  • cancers, and
  • inflammation of the GI lining from ingested materials.
• The most common causes and risk factors for lower GI bleeding include
  • Diverticular disease (diverticulitis)
  • gastrointestinal cancers,
  • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis),
  • infectious diarrhea,
  • angiodysplasia,
  • polyps,
  • hemorrhoids, and
  • anal fissures.
• Symptoms of GI bleeding often first appear as blood in the vomit or stool, or black, tarry stools. The person also may experience abdominal pain. Symptoms associated with the blood loss include
  • fatigue,
  • weakness,
  • pale skin, and
  • shortness of breath.
• GI bleeding can usually be diagnosed by a digital rectal exam, an endoscopy or colonoscopy, and lab tests.
• Treatment for GI bleeding usually includes hospitalization because blood pressure may drop and heart rate may increase and this needs to be stabilized. In some cases, IV fluids or blood transfusions are needed, and surgery may be required.
• The prognosis for a person with GI bleeding depends upon the cause and location of the bleeding, how bad the bleed is when the person sees the doctor, and any underlying medical conditions that may affect the patient's recovery.

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