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May 21, 2013
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Gastrointestinal Bleeding (cont.)

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Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding first will appear as vomiting of blood, bloody bowel movements, or black, tarry stools. Vomited blood may look like "coffee grounds." Symptoms associated with blood loss can include :

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pale appearance
  • Vomiting of blood usually originates from an upper GI source.
  • Bright red or maroon stool can be from either a lower GI source or from brisk bleeding from an upper GI source.
  • Long-term GI bleeding may go unnoticed or may cause fatigue, anemia, black stools, or a positive test for microscopic blood.

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Gastrointestinal Bleeding - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your gastrointestinal bleeding?

GI Disorders

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding »

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a potentially life-threatening abdominal emergency that remains a common cause of hospitalization.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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