What kind of stool is there with upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

Updated on September 18, 2024

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In clinical terms, the upper gastrointestinal tract refers to the digestive system above the ligament of Treitz, primarily including the duodenum, stomach, and esophagus. If there is a minor amount of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the color of the stool may not change significantly. However, if there is substantial bleeding, the blood can react with gastric acid and may form black, tar-like stools. If gastrointestinal bleeding is detected, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. An endoscopic examination can be performed to establish a clear diagnosis and undertake aggressive treatment, which can potentially save the patient's life.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 34sec

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What medicine is used to stop bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract?

Pharmacological treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding may include aggressive fluid resuscitation to improve symptoms of hypovolemia, transfusion of red blood cells when necessary to correct anemia, and the use of acid-suppressive and gastroprotective medications to prevent further bleeding. Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and even vascular anomalies. Therefore, in the early stages, it is advisable to choose acid-suppressive and gastroprotective medications to treat common causes such as gastric ulcers and gastritis, which lead to bleeding. The main symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding are vomiting blood or bleeding from the bowels. In severe cases, the patient may also experience dizziness and fatigue due to low blood volume. For such patients, once the condition stabilizes, it is important to conduct routine blood tests, electrocardiography, and gastroscopy to identify the specific cause of the bleeding. Different causes require different treatment approaches. If the bleeding is suspected to be caused by a tumor, pharmacological treatment may not be very effective, and surgical intervention might be more appropriate. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

48sec

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What causes upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

The most common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The first is hemorrhage due to peptic ulcers. The second is bleeding from ruptured esophageal and gastric varices. The third is acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis. The fourth is bleeding caused by gastric cancer. The fifth is bleeding caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome. After the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly, undergo treatments like hemostasis and blood transfusion in the hospital, and actively manage the symptoms. If necessary, a gastroscopy can be performed for endoscopic hemostasis. If not treated actively, emaciated individuals' lives may be at risk, so caution is necessary.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

56sec

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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding causes

The most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is likely peptic ulcers, such as stomach ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, and compound ulcers. Other conditions, such as acute gastric mucosal lesions caused by medication, can also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal tumors, such as esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and duodenal cancer, can also invade blood vessels and cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Vascular diseases, such as varicose veins of the esophagus and stomach base caused by liver cirrhosis, can rupture and lead to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Massive bleeding can also occur due to the rupture of the gastric artery. Other conditions, like systemic diseases and blood disorders, can lead to thrombocytopenia or coagulation dysfunction, which can also result in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 26sec

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Clinical manifestations of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding typically present with vomiting blood or bleeding from the stool. Of course, if the bleeding amount is small, there may be no other discomfort. However, if the bleeding is significant, symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, and palpitations related to low blood volume. Some patients might also experience abdominal discomfort, such as abdominal pain, bloating, or even indigestion. For those suspected of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is advisable to further complete blood tests, stool analysis, and electrocardiograms. It is necessary to promptly carry out a gastroscopy when needed to clarify the cause of the bleeding, and consider if it is due to ulcers or vascular malformations. In the early stages of treatment, symptomatic management should be prioritized, and patients are advised to actively rehydrate to improve symptoms of low blood volume and to transfuse red blood cells if necessary to correct anemia. Once the cause is identified, causative treatment should be added, such as the use of acid-suppressing and gastric-protecting drugs for bleeding associated with peptic ulcers. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

51sec

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Which department should I go to for upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

The upper gastrointestinal system primarily refers to bleeding from the digestive system above the Treitz ligament. Therefore, if there is acute massive bleeding in the digestive tract, patients may present with symptoms such as vomiting blood and black stools. If the bleeding is significant and blood volume rapidly decreases, it can cause acute peripheral circulatory disorders, and may even be life-threatening. The causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include long-standing conditions like peptic ulcers, rupture of esophagogastric varices, acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis, and stomach cancer, among others. If upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, patients should actively seek medical attention at major hospitals' gastroenterology departments, undergo relevant examinations, and receive prompt treatment.