Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB) is any bleeding that occurs in the esophagus, stomach or

duodenum

. A peptic ulcer is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.
To help prevent a UGIB: -Limit your use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. -Limit your use of alcohol. -If you smoke, quit.
Symptoms

Black stool

common

Dizziness

or Fainting

common

Fatigue

common

Poor appetite

Sore abdomen

  • Upper middle abdomen

or Abdominal pain

  • Nonspecific, non-focal, Located in middle upper region

Throwing up

  • Dark brown liquid

  • Blood in vomit

Pale inner surface of eyelids

or Unusual lightness of skin color

Bleeding from anus

  • Painless

Rapid heart rate

or Low blood pressure

Feel like vomiting

Risk factors

Stomach ulcer or gastritis

Alcohol consumption

Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Liver cirrhosis

Blood clotting disorder

Nosebleed

Esophageal cancer

Stomach cancer

Treatment
UGIB is typically treated by taking medication or undergoing procedures aimed to close the exposed bleeding lining. Blood transfusions generally should be administered to patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who have a hemoglobin level of 7 g per dL (70 g per L) or less. Early upper endoscopy (within 24 hours of presentation) is recommended in most patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Recommended specialist

If you have Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding, then visit a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

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Gastroenterologist

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