How to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
Updated on September 15, 2024
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After gastrointestinal bleeding, the patient should be kept in a recumbent position to rest and ensure that the airway is clear to avoid aspiration of blood due to vomiting. Close monitoring of the patient's vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, is necessary. It is important to actively replenish blood volume, correct hypovolemic shock, and administer medications for hemostasis. Endoscopic hemostasis with a gastroscope can also be used. If conservative drug treatment is not effective, surgical treatment may be considered. Emergency treatment is essential after gastrointestinal bleeding, as delays can be life-threatening.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can you eat egg custard with upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

As for whether one can eat egg custard when experiencing upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it requires specific analysis of the situation. If it is during the acute phase of bleeding, such as just after vomiting blood, at that moment, one cannot eat anything and must fast. If the upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been treated and the patient has largely recovered, then they can eat egg custard, as well as other liquid or semi-liquid foods. Therefore, whether a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding can eat egg custard depends on the patient's condition. Once a patient experiences upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention at a reputable hospital's gastroenterology department to undergo thorough examinations, such as an endoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can you drink milk if you have upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding are advised not to drink milk. Although milk can dilute gastric acid, it can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, exacerbating symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In severe cases, it can lead to a recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid drinking milk during the acute phase. After the onset of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a formal hospital as soon as possible, and complete auxiliary examinations such as an electronic gastroscopy to clarify the diagnosis. Additionally, treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be carried out through relevant endoscopic therapies. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should consume easily digestible foods in their diet.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Mild upper gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms

Symptoms of mild upper gastrointestinal bleeding mainly include dizziness, fatigue, poor appetite, etc., and there may also be cases of passing black stools. Once a patient experiences black stools accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, upper gastrointestinal bleeding should be considered. It is advisable to visit the gastroenterology department of a reputable hospital as soon as possible to undergo a gastroscopy to promptly determine the cause of the condition. Depending on the different causes, appropriate and active treatment measures should be taken. Additionally, endoscopic hemostasis treatment can also be considered. Patients with mild upper gastrointestinal bleeding should also be extra cautious, as delayed treatment may lead to the possibility of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to determine if upper gastrointestinal bleeding has led to hemorrhagic shock

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who experience symptoms such as cold sweats, fainting, reduced urine output, dry mouth, etc., may be experiencing hemorrhagic shock and should promptly visit the gastroenterology department or emergency department of a formal hospital for timely emergency treatment. Measures include establishing an intravenous line and actively rehydrating to replenish lost fluids and blood volume. Additionally, if the patient's condition permits, it is crucial to perform a thorough gastroscopy to ascertain the cause and location of the bleeding. When necessary, endoscopic hemostasis can be carried out. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding also need treatments such as acid suppression and protection of the gastric mucosa.