Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Intestinal Bleeding)

Description

The digestive tract begins with the mouth and includes esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, and ends at the anus. Bleeding may occur anywhere along this pathway and may be visible in vomit or in the stool. The bleeding can be slow and persistent causing anemia or fast and extensive resulting in a life threatening illness.

Symptoms

Vomiting blood, vomiting coffee ground material, blood in stool, weakness, dizziness, fainting, abdominal pain, black stools (melena).

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to determine the extent of disease include: nasogastric tube lavage, rectal exam, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), colonoscopy, and blood tests.

Treatment

Therapy depends on the site and severity of bleeding but may include: proton pump inhibitors (omperazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine/Tagamet, ranitidine/Zantac), endoscopic or colonoscopic cauterization of bleeding, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics if caused by H. pylori, and/or hospitalization.

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