Skip to main content

DIGESTIVE SERVICES

Symptoms & Causes

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

Find a specialist

What Is Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding?

What Is Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding?

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding encompasses blood loss from any organ in the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus.

A GI bleed is a symptom of an injury or disease in the digestive tract that may require treatment by a medical professional.

Signs & Symptoms of a GI Bleed

Symptoms

Symptoms of a GI bleed vary depending on the source of the bleed (upper GI bleeding vs. lower GI bleeding).

Overt symptoms of a bleed include:

  • Blood in vomit
  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Black or tarry stool
  • Stool with blood in it

Occult symptoms include:

  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Difficulty breathing

More to explore

What Causes Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

What Causes Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

There are a variety of conditions that can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including:

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

If you have a condition known to cause GI bleeds, you are at a higher risk of developing bleeding than a person who does not have such a condition. Some behaviors and circumstances can also put you at risk for these conditions, including:

  • Chronic vomiting, which can lead to tears in the esophagus
  • Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can damage the stomach lining
  • Alcoholism, as alcohol can weaken the tissue of the digestive tract
  • GI surgery, which can result in GI bleeding as a complication

Complications

Complications

GI bleeding can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Complications range from mild to severe and may include:

  • Infection
  • Respiratory distress
  • Shock
  • Anemia
  • Death

Prevention

Prevention

While it is not possible to prevent a GI bleed, you can reduce your chances of one by:

  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Limiting the use of NSAIDs
  • Managing any existing GI conditions, like diverticulosis, by consuming a high-fiber diet
  • Treating causes of ulcers, like Helicobacter pylori infections
Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding Care

If you suspect you have a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, it’s important to seek quality care promptly. With special training to recognize the symptoms of a gastrointestinal tract bleed, the expert physicians at NewYork-Presbyterian will work to diagnose the cause of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.