The main risk factor for GI bleeding is older age—but remember, GI bleeding is usually a sign of another condition, and having that condition is what raises your risk. Common problems like hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). gastritis (possibly caused by overuse of alcohol and/or NSAID pain relievers), anal fissures, colitis, and diverticular disease are all associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Other conditions that made lead to it are ulcerative colitis, benign tumors, polyps, or cancer in the digestive tract, esophageal varices, or angiodysplasia (abnormal blood vessels in the digestive tract). Colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids are the most common causes of GI bleeding in older people. You can't always tell the origin of the bleeding from its symptoms; rectal bleeding, for example, may come from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. It is a good idea to consult a doctor for evaluation, as some causes of GI bleeding can be quite serious.
GI Bleeding
Recently Answered
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1 AnswerA
Sigma Nursing answeredAlcohol in large amounts over a period of time can lead to alcoholic gastritis, which can irritate the GI tract and result in GI bleeding or ulcers. This risk is increased among alcohol users who also use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. There is a particular danger for heavy alcohol users who take amounts of these drugs over the recommended dosage. This can cause serious damage and bleeding in the GI tract. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, but can be dangerous instead to the liver, especially when combined with alcohol. Alcohol users should consult a doctor about recommended dosage for pain relievers and interactions with alcohol.
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Sigma Nursing answered
GI bleeding is caused by a variety of underlying conditions that vary depending on where the bleeding is coming from. Some of these underlying conditions in the upper GI tract are ulcers, liver disease, gastritis, and varices. In the lower GI tract causes of bleeding include inflammatory bowel disease, arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins), a tumor, colon cancer, ulcers, polyps, colitis, diverticula, and hemorrhoids.
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Southern Hills Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersGI bleeding is first treated by stabilizing and possibly transfusing the patient.
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HCA Virginia answeredRectal bleeding can be bright red (hematochezia) to dark, maroon colored (melena). The most common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids, which cause bright red bleeding and are generally not painful although occasionally associated with pain that dissipates.
Possible causes of rectal bleeding
- Hemorrhoids (most common)
- Fissures
- Proctitis
- Colitis
- Polyps
Colonic tumorsBlood mixed within the stool can be seen with hemorrhoids and fissures, but may be associated with proctitis, colitis, polyps and colonic tumors. The age at which patients bleed is also important. Younger patients tend to have benign pathology more often than a serious disease such as cancer. At your appointment, we’d take into account your family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease so that we could rule out these diseases. While a colonoscopy is important, a good digital rectal exam and anoscopy with your office visit is the most important step in seeking the appropriate treatment.
Another cause of rectal bleeding can be anal fissures. Painful bowel movements associated with bright red rectal bleeding is usually caused by an anal fissure. An anal fissure is a cut or tear occurring in the anus that extends upwards into the anal canal. Pain can last minutes to hours. Anal fissures tend to take weeks to heal and treatment options include fiber, stool softeners, sitz baths and analgesic cream. Surgery is required for refractory fissures.
The majority of rectal bleeding cases are no cause for alarm and respond to non-surgical treatment. However, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to rule out something that could be more serious.
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1 AnswerA
Sigma Nursing answered
There are no medications prescribed for GI bleeding. Most times, your doctor will prescribe intravenous fluids or a blood transfusion to deal with immediate problems. In fact, the overuse of some medications like NSAID pain relievers are believed to sometimes cause GI bleeding. If your GI bleeding is being cause by an underlying condition, the medication will vary depending on the nature of the condition. The treatment is to correct the underlying cause while treating the complications arising from blood loss.
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Sigma Nursing answered
GI bleeding is a symptom of a disease, not a disease itself; some of these diseases are preventable, and others are not. Also, limiting your usage of alcohol, steroids, and NSAID pain relievers may help you to avoid GI bleeding. You can also take steps to avoid preventable liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis) or hemorrhoids, which may cause GI bleeding.
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Sigma Nursing answered
GI bleeding is curable only in as much as the underlying condition that causes GI bleeding is curable. Certain conditions that cause GI bleeding can be cured while others cannot. Limiting your usage of alcohol, steroids, and pain relievers may help you to avoid GI bleeding.