Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GI bleeding) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs due to bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is usually caused by gastric ulcers, esophageal varices (enlarged veins), Mallory-Weiss tears (tears in the lining of the stomach) or other sources. Most cases are mild and can be managed with medications or lifestyle changes. However, some cases can be very serious and require medical intervention.

Symptoms of Upper GI Bleeding:

• Dark coffee-ground like vomit
• Blacks tarry stools
• Bloody vomit or stool
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pale skin

Diagnosis of Upper GI Bleeding:

Your doctor can diagnose upper GI bleeding through a physical exam, an endoscopy, or a barium swallow. An endoscopy can be used to view the inside of the intestines to look for signs of bleeding. A barium swallow can also be used to take X-rays of the digestive tract to look for bleeding sites. Your doctor may also order a CT scan or other imaging tests to look for signs of internal bleeding.

Treatment of Upper GI Bleeding:

Treatment of upper GI bleeding depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. Mild cases may be treated with medications such as antacids or blood thinners. More severe cases may require surgery or endoscopic therapy (injection of clotting agents into the bleeding site). In life threatening cases, a blood transfusion may be needed.