WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Gastrointestinal (gas-tro-in-TES-tin-ul) bleeding can
occur anywhere within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This
includes the mouth, the esophagus (ih-SOF-uh-gus) leading to
the stomach, the stomach itself, and the
intestines.
Causes
Infections, some medicines, and
alcohol can damage tissue in the GI tract and produce bleeding.
So can growths or the swollen pockets that sometimes form in
the walls of the intestines. Blood vessels that are not formed
correctly also can bleed.
Signs/Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the cause and
place of the bleeding, and how fast the blood is flowing. Among
the common signs of gastrointestinal bleeding are vomit that
contains dark specks or blood, and bloody or black, sticky
stools. Other signs include dry mouth, thirst, urinating less
than usual--or not urinating at all. In some cases,
additional symptoms may result from other illnesses or
medicines. For example, someone with heart disease could have
chest pain as a result of blood loss from GI bleeding.
If you experience dizziness; confusion; low blood
pressure; and fast heart rate and breathing, you may be going
into shock from excessive blood loss.
Care
Treatment depends on where the
blood is coming from and how fast and how much you are
bleeding. Your doctor will do tests to find the answers.
Medications may be prescribed. In the hospital, you will be
watched carefully and given IV fluids. Most GI bleeding stops
on its own. But you may need to be given blood, have surgery,
or both.
Risks
Without treatment, it's possible
that you could bleed to death.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have bad stomach or abdominal pain, even if you
have taken your medicine.
-
You have a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. Your
medicine may cause these symptoms.
-
You feel weak or light-headed, or look
pale.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You throw up what looks like coffee grounds (black
specks) or blood, or you have bloody or black, sticky
stools.
-
You have a fast heart rate and breathing, or you feel
confused or dizzy. These are signs of shock.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Call 911 or 0 (operator) to
get to the nearest hospital or clinic.
Do not drive yourself!
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Endoscopy (end-OS-ko-pee): Your doctor will run a
tube through your mouth and down into your stomach. A light
and camera at the end allows the doctor to inspect the
upper GI tract.
-
Nasogastric Tube: This tube may be threaded through
your nose or mouth and down into your stomach. The tube is
then attached to suction that will keep the stomach empty.
This can help your doctor see if you have bleeding in the
upper part of your GI tract.
-
Blood Transfusion: If the bleeding is heavy, you may
need a transfusion to replace the lost
blood.
-
Activity: You may need to rest in bed. Once you are
feeling better, you will be allowed to move
around.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Oxygen: Your body may need extra oxygen at this
time. It is given either by a mask or nasal prongs. Tell
your doctor if the oxygen is drying out your nose or if the
nasal prongs bother you.
-
Pulse Oximeter: While you are getting oxygen, you
may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-ih-ter). It is
placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a
machine that measures the oxygen in your
blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf) or EKG. The
patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a
tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for
signs of injury or damage that could be related to your
illness.
After You Leave
-
Always take your medicine as directed. If you feel it
is not helping, call your doctor, but do not quit taking it
on your own.
-
Do not eat things that upset your stomach, such as
alcohol, coffee or certain medicines. Your doctor can
suggest foods that will not irritate your GI
tract.
-
Get lots of rest and eat a healthy
diet.
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