What Is Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding?
What Is Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding?Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding encompasses blood loss from any organ in the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus.
A GI bleed is a symptom of an injury or disease in the digestive tract that may require treatment by a medical professional.
Signs & Symptoms of a GI Bleed
SymptomsSymptoms of a GI bleed vary depending on the source of the bleed (upper GI bleeding vs. lower GI bleeding).
Overt symptoms of a bleed include:
- Blood in vomit
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Black or tarry stool
- Stool with blood in it
Occult symptoms include:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing
What Causes Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
What Causes Gastrointestinal Bleeding?There are a variety of conditions that can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including:
- Peptic ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
- Tears or inflammation in the esophagus
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Colonic polyps
- Colon, stomach, or esophageal cancer
Risk Factors
Risk FactorsIf you have a condition known to cause GI bleeds, you are at a higher risk of developing bleeding than a person who does not have such a condition. Some behaviors and circumstances can also put you at risk for these conditions, including:
- Chronic vomiting, which can lead to tears in the esophagus
- Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can damage the stomach lining
- Alcoholism, as alcohol can weaken the tissue of the digestive tract
- GI surgery, which can result in GI bleeding as a complication
Complications
ComplicationsGI bleeding can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Complications range from mild to severe and may include:
- Infection
- Respiratory distress
- Shock
- Anemia
- Death
Prevention
PreventionWhile it is not possible to prevent a GI bleed, you can reduce your chances of one by:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Limiting the use of NSAIDs
- Managing any existing GI conditions, like diverticulosis, by consuming a high-fiber diet
- Treating causes of ulcers, like Helicobacter pylori infections
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding Care
If you suspect you have a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, it’s important to seek quality care promptly. With special training to recognize the symptoms of a gastrointestinal tract bleed, the expert physicians at NewYork-Presbyterian will work to diagnose the cause of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.