Gastrointestinal bleeding

Alternative names:

gastrointestinal blood; GI bleeding; lower GI bleeding; upper GI bleeding

Home care:

Home testing of the stools for microscopic blood (guaiac test) may be recommended for people who have experienced an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. GI bleeding that is more than just a microscopic amount usually requires hospitalization to determine the cause and to begin treatment.

Call your health care provider if:

• you have black, tarry stools (this may be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding).
• you have blood in the stools.
• you begin vomiting blood or you vomit material that looks like coffee grounds.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

GI bleeding can be an emergency condition requiring immediate intervention. Intravenous fluids and medications, blood transfusions, drainage of the stomach through a tube (nasogastric tube), and other measures may be required.

Once the condition is stable, the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination will be performed.

Medical history questions documenting GI bleeding in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it start?
  • Is it off and on or does it continue?

• quality
  • What did you notice?
  • Were there black, tarry stools or was there obvious blood in the stools?
  • Were you vomiting blood?
  • Did you vomit material that looks like coffee grounds?

• family history
  • Do you or any family members have a history of peptic ulcer or duodenal ulcer?
  • Have you ever had symptoms like this before?

• other
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Did you notice anything that you think may have caused or been associated with the bleeding?

Note: This finding is diagnosed by the health care provider and the person may or may not have been aware of its presence.

The physical examination will include a detailed abdominal examination.

Diagnostic tests may vary and can include:

• laboratory tests such as a CBC
• abdominal X-ray
• abdominal CT scan
• abdominal MRI scan
• EGD
• sigmoidoscopy
• colonoscopy

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to GI bleeding to your personal medical record.