What is GI Bleeding and what causes it ?

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. This bleeding can range from minor to severe and can occur anywhere along the GI tract.

There are several potential causes of GI bleeding, including:

Peptic ulcers: These are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers can result from the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other factors.
Esophageal varices: These are enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus that can occur in individuals with liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. Esophageal varices can be prone to rupture and cause significant bleeding.
Gastritis: This refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be caused by factors such as infection (e.g., Helicobacter pylori), excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of NSAIDs, or stress.
Mallory-Weiss tears: These are small tears that develop in the lining of the esophagus due to severe vomiting or retching, often associated with alcohol consumption or eating disorders.
Diverticular disease: This involves the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the colon. When these pouches become inflamed or rupture, they can lead to GI bleeding.
Colorectal cancer: Cancerous growths in the colon or rectum can cause bleeding, especially as the tumors grow and invade the surrounding tissues.
Angiodysplasia: This refers to the abnormal formation of blood vessels in the GI tract, which can be prone to bleeding.
Other causes: GI bleeding can also be caused by trauma, gastrointestinal tumors, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, vascular malformations, or certain medications.

It’s important to note that GI bleeding can vary in severity, ranging from mild cases with minimal symptoms to life-threatening situations requiring immediate medical intervention. If you suspect GI bleeding or experience symptoms such as black, tarry stools, bright red blood in the stool, vomiting blood, or signs of anemia (e.g., fatigue, weakness), it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.