Gastrointestinal Bleeding – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

GI bleeding happens when there’s a problem in the digestive system that causes blood loss. This blood might appear in bowel movements or vomit, though it’s not always easy to spot. Sometimes stools look black or tarry instead of bright red.

The severity of bleeding varies greatly, from minor issues to serious conditions that can threaten a person’s life.

Doctors can find the source of bleeding using special imaging tools or by performing an endoscopic examination, which allows them to see inside the digestive tract.

The treatment approach depends on two main factors: where the bleeding is occurring and how serious it is.

Signs and Symptoms

Warning Signs of Blood Loss

Bleeding in the digestive tract can be obvious or hidden. Visible signs include vomiting blood (which may be bright red or dark like coffee grounds), black stools, or rectal bleeding that appears with bowel movements.

Hidden bleeding might cause less noticeable problems such as feeling lightheaded, trouble breathing, fainting, chest pain, or stomach pain.

Signs of Severe Blood Loss

If you lose blood quickly, your body might go into shock. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Physical Changes: Weakness, dizziness, pale or clammy skin.
  • Digestive Issues: Feeling sick or throwing up.
  • Urination Problems: Not peeing or only small amounts.
  • Appearance: Bluish or grayish lips or fingernails.
  • Mental State: Confusion, anxiety, or agitation.
  • Vital Signs: Fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, low blood pressure.
  • Other Signs: Unconsciousness, enlarged pupils.

When to Get Medical Help

Call 911 immediately if you notice signs of shock. Don’t wait or try to drive yourself to the hospital.

Seek emergency care if you:

  • Vomit blood
  • See blood in your stool
  • Have black, tarry bowel movements

For less severe digestive bleeding symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Even mild symptoms deserve proper medical attention.

What Causes GI Bleeding

Upper Digestive Tract Bleeding

Bleeding in the upper digestive system has several possible causes:

  • Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: These open sores form when stomach acid damages the digestive tract lining. They are the most common cause of upper GI bleeding and may develop from bacterial infections or regular use of pain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.

  • Esophageal Tears: Also called Mallory-Weiss tears, these rips in the food pipe lining often happen after severe vomiting or retching. People who drink too much alcohol face higher risk.

  • Swollen Esophageal Veins: These enlarged blood vessels (varices) typically develop in people with serious liver problems, often from long-term heavy alcohol use.

  • Stomach Lining Changes from Portal Hypertension: This condition affects people with advanced liver disease, causing changes in stomach blood vessels that may bleed.

  • Inflamed Esophagus: Esophagitis often results from stomach acid repeatedly flowing back into the esophagus (acid reflux).

  • Unusual Blood Vessels: Sometimes abnormal blood vessels form in the digestive tract and can rupture.

  • Diaphragm Hernia: Large hiatal hernias may cause stomach lining erosion and bleeding.

Lower Digestive Tract Bleeding

Bleeding in the lower digestive system commonly results from:

  • Diverticular Problems: Small pouches (diverticula) can form in the intestinal wall. When these become inflamed or infected, they may bleed.

  • Bowel Inflammation Diseases: Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause ongoing inflammation and sores in the digestive tract that may bleed.

  • Rectal Inflammation: Proctitis causes the rectum lining to become inflamed and may lead to bleeding.

  • Growths: Both benign and cancerous tumors anywhere in the digestive system can weaken tissue and cause bleeding.

  • Colon Polyps: These small cell clusters on the colon wall can bleed. While most are harmless, some may become cancerous if not removed.

  • Swollen Anal Veins: Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anal area that can rupture and bleed, especially during bowel movements

  • Anal Tears: Small cracks in the anal tissue (fissures) can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

Possible Health Effects

Bleeding in the digestive tract can lead to several serious health problems:

  • Blood Loss Anemia: When your body loses too much blood and can’t make new blood cells quickly enough.
  • Shock: A dangerous drop in blood pressure that prevents your organs from getting enough oxygen.
  • Fatal Outcomes: In severe cases where bleeding cannot be controlled.

Ways to Prevent GI Bleeding

There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. These simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your digestive health.

Reduce Use of Pain Medications

  • Limit your use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and aspirin)
  • Follow dosage instructions carefully
  • Talk to your doctor about alternatives if you need regular pain relief

Watch Alcohol Consumption

Try to minimize alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can irritate the stomach lining and increase bleeding risk.

Quit smoking

Smoking harms the digestive system in many ways. It can slow healing and make some GI problems worse. Getting help to quit smoking is an important step for gut health.

Manage Acid Reflux Properly

If you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), be sure to:

  • Take prescribed medications as directed
  • Follow dietary recommendations
  • Elevate the head of your bed if advised
  • Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider

Other Protective Measures:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Get regular physical activity

Related Questions

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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.