Definition:
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a form of hemorrhage that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching from the pharynx down to the rectum. The bleeding can be very life-threatening.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis to confirm gastrointestinal bleeding is done via endoscopy.
Treatment:
This kind of bleeding can be treated with intravenous fluids, proton pump inhibitors and blood transfusion to replace lost blood. Occasional vasopressin analogues and tranexamic acid are also administered to help fight infection.
Symptoms and Signs:
Among the symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding are minor bleeds, which can develop into hypovolemia, shock and eventual death when left untreated.
Causes:
The causes of gastrointestinal bleeding are determined depending on where the hemorrhage is situated. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is caused by a swollen or infected pharynx, while lower gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in the rectal area.
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