Gastrointestinal Bleeding

What is gastrointestinal bleeding?

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is often a symptom of other problems. The bleeding can occur anywhere along the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus and anywhere in between. It can be ‘occult’, in that you don’t know it is happening, or ‘overt’, in that it is obvious.

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding?

Depending on where the bleeding is coming from, symptoms may include vomiting blood (red or coffee coloured) or passing blood in the stool (black and tarry, dark or bright red).

What causes gastrointestinal bleeding?

Gastrointestinal bleeding has many different causes, including peptic ulcerative disease, leaky blood vessels in the GI tract, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids and malignancies. Your gastroenterologist will ask questions and potentially undertake a physical examination. They may ask about bowel habits, including colour, consistency, pain and frequency.

You may need to undertake some tests, such as blood or stool test, or an endoscopy to determine what is causing the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, it is important to seek urgent medical attention at your local Emergency Department.

What treatment options are available?

The treatment options will depend on what is causing your bleeding.

Find out more about gastrointestinal bleeding

To find out more about your gastrointestinal bleeding talk to one of our gastroenterologists today.