Gastrointestinal bleeding is a sign of a disorder that affects the digestive or gastrointestinal tract. It can manifest itself in a variety of bleeding patterns and can affect any part of the body. It is called upper GI bleeding if the bleeding takes place in your oesophagus, the lining of the small intestine and stomach and if it occurs in the large intestine, rectum and anus it is called lower GI bleeding.

The symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding vary as per the position of the bleeding, which can occur anywhere along the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. Below are some common GI bleeding symptoms:-

1. Presence of bright red blood in stool
2. Digested blackish blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract
3. Feeling tired and dizzy where your skin colour turns to pale
4. Red or black stool due to medications
5. Black or tarry stool
6. Muscular spasms in the abdomen
7. Gasping and feeling out of breath

GI bleeding can happen in either the upper or lower gastrointestinal system, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.

Upper GI bleeding

Gastric or peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers are lesions that form on the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, or upper part of the small intestinal. Ulcers are caused when the stomach acids destroy the stomach lining due to the formation of germs, bacteria or anti-inflammatory pain relievers.

Mallory-Weiss tears

Mallory–Weiss syndrome or gastro-oesophageal laceration syndrome can cause severe bleeding. Excessive drinkers are more likely to have a problem with the lining of the tube that connects the throat and the stomach.

Oesophagal varices

Oesophagal varices is the abnormality in the lower part of the tube running from the throat to the stomach. It is more common in people with advanced liver illness.

Lower GI bleeding

Diverticulitis

When one or more pouches are inflamed or infected, it is known as diverticulitis. It is characterised by the formation of tiny, bulging pouches in the gastrointestinal tract (diverticulosis). 

Anal fissure

Anal fissures can cause mild bleeding in the rectum due to the passage of hard stools. The exposed nerves can result in severe pain and can lead to a decrease in bowel movements.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic inflammation in or around the lining of the digestive tract. It refers to two diseases of the digestive system which includes Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is self-treatable, and even if treatment is required, it depends on the severity and the location of the bleeding. During the below-mentioned examinations, the doctor can stop the bleeding.

• Colonoscopy
• Upper endoscopy
• Lower endoscopy
• Laparotomy
• Sigmoidoscopy