GI Bleeding

Recently Answered

• QWhat causes rectal bleeding?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Jared C. Frattini, MD , Colorectal Surgery, answered on behalf of Medical Center of Trinity

  

  In this video, Jared Frattini, MD from Medical Center of Trinity discusses the different possible causes for rectal bleeding.
• QHow is GI bleeding treated?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Immediate treatment of the GI bleeding includes intravenous fluids to replace those lost during bleeding, opening of the airways, and blood transfusions. However, this only treats the immediate bleeding and not the underlying problem. Treatments for the underlying issues associated with GI bleeding differ depending on the issue.

  See All 4 Answers
• QDoes alcohol cause GI bleeding?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Alcohol can irritate the GI tract and result in GI bleeding or ulcers. This risk is increased among alcohol users who also use acetaminophen and other pain relievers. There is a particular danger for heavy alcohol users who take amounts of acetaminophen over the recommended dosage. This can cause serious damage and bleeding in the GI tract and liver problems. Alcohol users should consult a doctor about recommended dosage for pain relievers and interactions with alcohol.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat causes gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center 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.

  See All 4 Answers
• QWhat is gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  The GI tract is the path that your food follows from your mouth, to your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum. GI bleeding occurs when one stop on that digestive pathway is bleeding internally. You can either have lower GI bleeding or upper GI bleeding. Both forms can be extremely dangerous.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat are the symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Sometimes GI bleeding does not present very obvious symptoms, but is serious all the same. When symptoms are present, they vary depending on whether the bleeding is coming from the lower or upper GI tract. If the bleeding is coming from the upper GI tract, symptoms include vomiting brilliant red blood, clots, or matter that looks like dark pulp or grounds, and having ebony, tar like feces. Lower GI bleeding presents different symptoms like passing blood instead of a stool, or a mixture of the two, making a red or maroon colored stool. If enough blood is lost symptoms of anemia may occur: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headaches,  brittle nails, paleness, or problems with concerntration.

• QHow does GI bleeding affect the body?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  GI bleeding is a frightening condition for the person who suffers from it. However, it can also signify a worse underlying condition. The way those underlying conditions affect the body vary depending on which condition it is. Most GI bleeding results from ulcers. Ulcers can affect your body when they burst and eat away at the lining around it, or when they cause swelling and scarring that blocks passageways.

• QWhat increases my risk for GI bleeding?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  There are many different risk factors for GI bleeding. Most times, GI bleeding is found in those of an older age. Some think this is because of increased pain medication usage, which can attribute to GI bleeding. Additionally previous ulcers may increase your risk for developing GI bleeding. In addition to these risk factors, GI bleeding is also associated with frequent usage of alcohol, steroids, and anticoagulants.

• QHow is GI bleeding diagnosed?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Usually, your doctor can diagnose GI bleeding by examining your symptoms and seeing the evidence either in your vomit or in your stools. In order to diagnose underlying conditions like ulcers, your doctor may perform an endoscopy or an upper GI series. An endoscopy involves inserting a scope down your GI tract to collect a sample of tissue and look for any evidence of ulcers or other issues. An upper GI series, or a UGI, involves X-rays taken after you have drunk a chalky liquid. If your doctor believes that your GI bleeding is resulting from a lower GI issue, he may perform a lower GI series.

  See All 2 Answers
• QShould I talk to my doctor about my GI bleeding symptoms?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of GI bleeding including blood in your stool or vomit, you should speak with your doctor right away. GI bleeding can be a sign of ulcers or a more serious underlying condition. As with any appointment, be sure to discuss with your doctor the causes, symptoms, treatments, and complications associated with GI bleeding.

  See All 2 Answers