Lower GI bleeding
Key points
- Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that originates in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the large bowel.
- Home Care There are home stool tests for microscopic blood that may be recommended for people with anemia or for colon cancer screening.
- GI bleeding can be an emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, life-threatening bleeding.
Alternative names
Gastrointestinal bleeding; GI bleeding; Upper GI bleeding
Definition
Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that originates in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the large bowel. The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, life-threatening bleeding. Bleeding may originate from any site along the gastrointestinal tract, but is often divided into:
- Upper GI bleeding (considered any source located between the mouth and outflow tract of the stomach)
- Lower GI bleeding (considered any source located from the outflow tract of the stomach to the anus, small and large bowel included)
Considerations Gastrointestinal bleeding can range from microscopic bleeding, where the amount of blood is so small that it can only be detected by laboratory testing, to massive bleeding where pure blood is passed.
It is importnant to be aware of gastrointestinal bleeding, because it may herald many significant diseases and conditions. Prolonged microscopic bleeding can lead to massive losses of iron and subsequent anemia. Acute, massive bleeding can lead to hypovolemia, shock, and even death.
Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur at any age from birth on. The degree and suspected location of the bleeding determines what tests should be performed to find the cause. Once a bleeding site is identified, numerous therapies are available to stop the bleeding.
Common Causes
Some of the possible causes of gastrointestinal bleeding include:
- hemorrhoids
- duodenal ulcer
- gastric (stomach) ulcer
- bleeding diverticulum
- ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- esophageal varices
- arterio-venous malformations
- nose bleed
- mallory-Weiss tear (tear in esophagus after vomiting)
- esophagitis
- dysentery (bloody, infectious diarrhea)
- ischemic bowel
- colon cancer
- intestinal polyps
- celiac sprue
- radiation injury to the bowel
- portal hypertensive gastropathy
- stomach cancer
- intestinal vasculitis
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.