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
Symptoms 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?
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
If 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
GI 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
While 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.