What is gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?
GI bleeding can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract - in the esophagus, stomach, intestines or rectum. GI bleeding can be a symptom of many different problems in the GI tract and should be evaluated by a doctor.
What causes upper GI bleeding?
- Peptic ulcers
- Swollen veins in the esophagus
- Cancer
- Gastritis
What causes lower GI bleeding?
- Hemorrhoids
- Tears in the tissue of the anus
- Polyps (growths)
- Vascular malformations
- Diverticulitis
- Cancer
- IBD
- Feeling tired and rundown
- Weakness
- Feeling breathless or out of breath
- Blood in the stool or very dark, tarry stool
- Vomiting blood or dark material that looks like coffee grounds
Diagnosing GI bleeding
You should be evaluated immediately if you’re having GI bleeding. Your doctor may perform the following tests:
- Digital rectal exam
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Lab tests
- Push endoscopy
- Wireless capsule endoscopy
- Treatment of vascular lesions with argon plasma coagulation
