GSTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING SYMPTOMS

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Acute gastrointestinal bleeding first will appear as vomiting of blood, bloody bowel movements, or black, tarry stools. Blood may look like "coffee grounds." Symptoms associated with blood loss can include the following:

Fatigue


Weakness


Shortness of breath


Abdominal pain


Pale appearance
Vomiting of blood usually originates from an upper GI source. Bright red or maroon stool can be from either a lower GI source or from brisk bleeding at an upper GI source.


Long-term GI bleeding may go unnoticed or may cause fatigue, anemia, black stools, or a positive test for microscopic blood.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any presence of blood in the stool or the upper gastrointestinal tract is significant and needs medical investigation. Black or dark stools may represent slow bleeding into the GI tract and should be investigated by a physician.

Any significant bleeding into the GI tract, either vomited blood or blood through the rectum, should be evaluated in the emergency department.

Exams and Tests
A doctor will perform a complete history and physical exam to evaluate your problem. The physical will include a digital rectal exam, to test for visible or microscopic blood from your rectum.

The doctor may need to insert a tube through your nose into your stomach to help identify the source of the bleeding. The procedure is called endoscopy. An endoscope is a long tube with a tiny camera on the end. It may be passed through the nose into the stomach, or through the rectum into the colon, to directly see the source of bleeding. Endoscopy can be both diagnostic, finding the source of bleeding, and therapeutic, stopping it.
Lab tests also can be helpful to determine the rate or severity of bleeding and to determine factors that may contribute to the problem.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Treatment
Self-Care at Home
There is no home care for heavy gastrointestinal bleeding. Go to a hospital's emergency department. For hemorrhoids or anal fissures, eat a diet high in fiber and fluids to keep stools soft.

Medical Treatment

Serious gastrointestinal bleeding can destabilize your vital signs. For instance, your blood pressure may fall sharply and your heart rate will increase.


The physician may need to resuscitate you with IV fluids and possibly a blood transfusion.


In some cases, you may need surgery.

Next Steps Follow-up

Maintain a proper diet and take the medications prescribed to you as your doctor directs.
Follow up with your physician on a regular basis to monitor progress, so that your doctor can prevent further progression and complications of your gastrointestinal bleeding.
Prevention
You can prevent some causes of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Avoid foods and factors, such as alcohol and smoking, that increase gastric secretions.
Eat a high-fiber diet to increase the bulk of the stool, which helps prevent diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.


source:webmd.com