Warning Signs Of Gastrointestinal Bleeding You Shouldn't Ignore

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a major part of your digestive system. It includes the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. All of these combined help provide essential nutrients to the body, making one capable of carrying out daily activities. However, there are several factors that can affect the GI tract and lead to complications, such as GI bleeding.

According to Dr Pavan Dhoble, Junior Consultant - Gastroenterology, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, GI bleeding can manifest with a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the bleed. Let us discuss in detail the kind of warning signs one should watch out for and ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent it from happening.

Also Read: Suffering From GI Disorders? Here’s Why You Should Try The FODMAP Diet

Warning Signs Of Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

Common symptoms associated with GI bleeding include:

• Haematemesis, or vomiting blood, which often signals bleeding from the upper GI tract
• Melena, or black, tarry stools, which occur when blood has travelled through the digestive system
• Hematochezia, or bright red blood in stools, is indicative of bleeding from the lower GI tract.
• Anaemia, characterised by fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath, can develop due to chronic blood loss.
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting (syncope), especially in more severe cases

As per Dr Dhoble, the location of the bleed determines the type of symptoms.

Upper GI bleeding, which originates from areas like the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum, is often associated with haematemesis, melena, and coffee-ground emesis, characterised by vomit that appears dark and granular due to the presence of partially digested blood.

In contrast, lower GI bleeding, arising from the small intestine, colon, or rectum, causes hematochezia or maroon-coloured stools.

Sometimes, melena may also be seen in lower GI bleeding if the bleeding is slow and originates from the distal small intestine or proximal colon, the doctor explains.

Also Read: Fermented Foods May Improve Digestive Health But It Isn't For Everyone; Who Should Avoid It

What Causes Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

According to StatPearls Publishing, gastrointestinal system diseases can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and can be caused by various factors.

Common conditions include salivary gland tumours, esophageal disorders, gastritis, small bowel diseases, large bowel diseases, and accessory organ pathologies.

Dr Dhoble highlights that various underlying conditions can lead to GI bleeding.

He notes that in the upper GI tract, causes include peptic ulcer disease, gastric or esophageal varices, often associated with liver cirrhosis, and Mallory-Weiss tears, a tear in the esophageal lining due to forceful vomiting.

In the lower GI tract, conditions like diverticulosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and colorectal cancer are common culprits, he mentions.

In addition, angiodysplasia, an abnormality in the blood vessels of the GI tract, can cause bleeding as well.

How To Diagnose The Condition

According to the doctor, diagnosing GI bleeding involves a combination of endoscopic procedures, imaging, and lab tests.

Endoscopy is the primary tool for diagnosis, with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) used to investigate upper GI bleeding and colonoscopy for lower GI bleeding. For bleeding in the small intestine, capsule endoscopy may be used.

CT angiography can help localise active bleeding, particularly if the endoscopy is inconclusive. 

Laboratory tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profiles, and liver function tests, are essential in assessing the severity and underlying causes of the bleeding.

Treatment Options And Prevention Tips

Treatment of GI bleeding starts with stabilising the patient, which may involve administering IV fluids and blood transfusions if significant blood loss has occurred, says Dr Dhoble.

He adds that medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Pantoprazole 40 mg IV, are commonly used to reduce stomach acid and help control upper GI bleeding, especially in cases of peptic ulcer disease.

Endoscopic interventions, such as banding or clipping, are effective in stopping bleeding directly at the source. If endoscopic methods fail, angiographic embolisation may be used to block the blood vessels responsible for the bleeding. In cases where bleeding is refractory to these treatments, surgery may be required.

It is crucial to note that prevention is key. Some of the ways to reduce the risk or lower the chances of GI bleeding include:

• Avoiding Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin unless necessary
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress effectively
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fibre
• Regular screening for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with a family history of GI cancers)

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]