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2024-09-18 : Sree Manju Hospitals

An ailment in the digestive tract indicates Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Though the blood can also appear in vomit or poop, it is not always apparent. The stool may appear tar-colored or black, and bleeding can either be mild or extreme and can be fatal.
 

The cause of the bleeding can be normally ascertained through imaging technology or an endoscopic examination. The bleeding is treated depending on where it is occurring and its severity.


Symptoms of GI bleeding

It can be easy to identify symptoms of GI bleeding, which is known as overt or the not-so-obvious, known as occult.

The rate of bleeding and the location where it is occurring can indicate symptoms of the bleeding. It can happen on any part of the GI tract, with the mouth being its starting point and the anus being the end.


Overt bleeding can manifest as follows.

  • Stool that is black or tar colored.
  • Rectal bleeding, usually in or with stool.
  • With occult bleeding, the symptoms can be as follows.
  • Dizziness
  • Problems in breathing.
  • Pain in the chest or abdomen
  • Vomiting blood


Causes of GI bleeding

GI bleeding can happen in either the upper or lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract.


Upper GI bleeding

Upper GI bleeding can be caused by the following.

  • Peptic ulcer
  • Mallory-Weiss tears, which are tears in the esophagus 
  • Esophageal varices or puffed-up veins in the esophagus 
  • Hiatus hernia 
  • Esophagitis
  • Extraordinary blood vessels 


Lower GI bleeding

Lower GI bleeding can be caused by the following.

  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissures
  • Diverticulosis.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 
  • Tumors
  • Colon polyps
  • Proctitis


Diagnosis of GI bleeding

Healthcare professionals can detect the cause of GI bleeding. They will consider your medical history and a record of probable previous bleeding and carry out the following physical tests.

  • Blood tests 
  • Stool tests 
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Angiography 
  • Colonoscopy
  • Imaging tests


Prevention of GI bleeding

You can prevent GI bleed by following these instructions.

  • Restrict your intake of alcohol
  • Smokers must quit  
  • Usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Controlling blood pressure  


In case you are suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), follow the instructions of your doctor to prevent it from affecting you.


GI Treatment

GI bleeding treatment depends upon its cause,   

The treatment for GI bleeding depends upon its cause, place, and gravity. Some of the common treatments are as follows.


Endoscopy

The first choice of treatment for upper GI bleeding is endoscopy. In this method, a flexible tube and a camera are inserted into the GI tract to locate where the bleeding occurs. The doctor can also use the endoscope to treat the bleeding using the same technique if essential.  


Surgery 

The treatment may warrant surgery if there is severe bleeding that cannot be contained by endoscopy or medication. It may entail removing the source of bleeding or mending the GI tract’s injured areas.


Medications

With medications, GI bleeding could be treated, specifically if it has been caused due to ulcers or inflammation. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be used to decrease stomach acid and aid in the healing of ulcers. If caused by an infection, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to cure it.


Supportive Care

In the case of patients, who may have lost blood severely, supportive care with blood transfusions or fluids could be used to make them stable and restore the quantity of blood lost.
 

Choose Sree Manju Hospital

Sree Manju Hospitals, a multispecialty hospital in Kukatpally, provides specialized and unique care. We have a dedicated team of gastroenterologists who offer compassionate and comprehensive health care.


Conclusion

You can expect supportive services and expert guidance from the Best Gastroenterologist in Kukatpally at Sree Manju Hospitals. Trust us to be your partner in treatment, ensuring a safe and memorable treatment.

 

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