What is GI bleed?

A GI or gastrointestinal bleed is a symptom of a disorder affecting your stomach or intestines. The bleed can occur anywhere in your gastrointestinal tract and is normally seen in vomit or stool. A GI bleed can range from mild to severe but it is important to seek medical treatment regardless of the level. Modern imaging technology such as CT scans and ultrasounds are often used to determine the area and cause of a GI bleed.

What are the symptoms of a GI bleed?

The symptoms of a GI bleed can be hidden (occult) or obvious (overt) and they depend on the area of the bleed, which can be located anywhere between the mouth and anus. The rate of bleeding also affects the symptoms. Some of the most common obvious signs of GI bleeding are:

• Black or tarry stool
• Bright or dark red blood present in stool
• Bright red blood present in vomit
• Vomit that looks like coffee
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Generalized weakness due to anaemia

Occult symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Chest pain

Abrupt and rapidly progressing GI bleeding can cause a person to go into shock, and the symptoms include rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure and unconsciousness.

What are the causes of GI bleed?

Gastrointestinal bleeding is generally categorised as upper and lower GI bleed. The causes include:

• Peptic ulcers
• Oesophageal varices
• Oesophageal Ulcers
• Oesophagitis
• Diverticular disease
• Proctitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colon polyps
• Tumours
• Anal fissures
• Haemorrhoids

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where the lower end of esophageal eroded by acid from stomach and can result bleeding. Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking also makes one more prone to developing GI bleeds.

Some serious GI bleeding cases may require surgery, while others are treated with oral medicines.