Gastrointestinal haemorrhage is a sign of a very serious issue of the digestive tract that can involve injury of: the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, rectum and anus. The amount of bleeding can range from a moderate loss detectable only through laboratory tests, to a real haemorrhage. The most common cause of blood loss is peptic ulcer.

 

What kind of diseases can be associated with gastrointestinal haemorrhage?

Diseases associated with gastrointestinal haemorrhage are the following:

  • Angiodysplasia
  • Celiac disease
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Dengue
  • Diverticulitis
  • Ebola
  • Hemophilia A
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Enteritis
  • Enterocolitis
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Esophagitis
  • Gastritis
  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Infection with Escherichia coli
  • Intussusception
  • Crohn's disease
  • Polycythemia vera
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica
  • Intestinal polyps
  • Proctitis
  • Anal fissures
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Kaposi's sarcoma
  • Mallory-Weiss syndrome
  • Typhus
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Stomach cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Duodenal ulcer
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Peptic ulcer disease (gastric / duodenal ulcer)
  • Esophageal varices

Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor in case of symptom’s persistence.

 

What is the therapy for gastrointestinal haemorrhage?

The loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract must always be considered a medical emergency that requires urgent medical attention and care.

 

When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of gastrointestinal haemorrhage?

If the pain is following a trauma or a bruise, it is necessary to seek medical attention at the emergency room. Bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding through the mouth, vomiting, or in the stool indicate a potentially life-threatening matter and require urgent medical attention and treatment.