What is Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding -- bleeding in the digestive tract -- is a symptom of an underlying condition. It can be caused by many different conditions. Most can be treated and cured, although some may be life threatening. Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine can cause bright red blood in the vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black or tarry stool. Bleeding in the lower part of the small intestine, large intestine -- including the colon and anus -- and rectum can cause dark or bright red blood in the stool. It's important to find the source of the bleeding and what's causing it to get the right treatment.

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Bleeding are-

Pain or discomfort,Black (tar) colored stools,Fatigue,Shortness of breath,Weakness (generalized),Bloody or red colored stools,Bloody or red colored vomit,Pale skin,Coffee grounds colored vomit

Treatment

Endoscopy can also be used to stop the bleeding in some cases. But long-term treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding usually involves treating the condition that is causing the bleeding.

When to See Your Doctor

See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnosed By

Your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. He may test your stool for blood and also may do an endoscopy, which involves putting a small tube with a camera through your mouth into your stomach or through your rectum into your colon, to look for the source of bleeding.