“GI bleeding is a serious condition—early evaluation and timely endoscopic treatment can prevent com

GI bleeding means bleeding anywhere in the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract, which includes the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus.
It is not a disease by itself, but a sign of an underlying problem that needs medical evaluation.

Bleeding from:

• Esophagus
   
• Stomach
   
• First part of small intestine (duodenum)
   

Common causes:

• Stomach or duodenal ulcers
   
• Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
   
• Esophageal varices (swollen veins, often due to liver disease)
   
• Severe vomiting causing tears in the food pipe
   

Bleeding from:

• Small intestine (distal part)
   
• Colon
   
• Rectum or anus
   

Common causes:

• Piles (hemorrhoids)
   
• Anal fissure
   
• Colon polyps or cancer
   
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
   
• Diverticulosis
   

Symptoms depend on the site and amount of bleeding:

• Black, tarry stools (melena)
   
• Fresh red blood in stools
   
• Vomiting blood (red or coffee-colored)
   
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
   
• Dizziness or fainting
   
• Weakness or fatigue
   
• Pale skin
   
• Shortness of breath (in severe cases)
   

⚠️ Heavy bleeding can be life-threatening and needs urgent care.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Large amount of blood in vomit or stool
   
• Continuous bleeding
   
• Severe weakness, fainting, or confusion
   
• Low blood pressure or fast heartbeat
   

• Long-term use of painkillers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac)
   
• Alcohol consumption
   
• Liver disease
   
• H. pylori infection
   
• Blood-thinning medicines (aspirin, warfarin)
   
• Smoking
   
• Chronic constipation
   

Doctors may recommend:

• Blood tests (to check hemoglobin)
   
• Endoscopy (for upper GI bleeding)
   
• Colonoscopy (for lower GI bleeding)
   
• CT scan or special imaging if needed
   

Treatment depends on the cause and severity:

• IV fluids and blood transfusion (if required)
   
• Medicines to reduce acid or control bleeding
   
• Endoscopic procedures to stop bleeding
   
• Treatment of liver disease or ulcers
   
• Surgery (rare, only if bleeding cannot be controlled)
   

• Avoid unnecessary painkillers
   
• Limit alcohol intake
   
• Treat acidity and ulcers early
   
• Manage liver disease properly
   
• Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet
   
• Regular follow-up if you have chronic GI problems