Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (patient information)
|
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding |
|
Where to find medical care for Upper gastrointestinal bleeding? |
|---|
|
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding On the Web |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Upper gastrointestinal bleeding |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Upper gastrointestinal bleeding |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief:
Overview
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding defined as abnormal blood loss from the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and stomach), the stomach, or the duodenum (the first foot of the small intestine that follows the stomach).
What are the symptoms of Upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is usually seen as
- Bloody vomit
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Bowel movements that are black and sticky
What causes Upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
- The most common cause of upper GI bleeding is an ulcer in the stomach or small intestine.
- Irritation of the stomach or esophagus can also cause an upper GI bleed.
- A group of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are common causes of stomach and esophagus irritation. *Another common cause of bleeding is liver disease from chronic alcohol use. Sometimes the esophagus bleeds because it is torn after forceful coughing or vomiting.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition