Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding (pronunciation: gas-tro-in-tes-ti-nal blee-ding) refers to any form of bleeding that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the anus.
Etymology
The term "gastrointestinal" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach) and "enteron" (intestine). "Bleeding" comes from the Old English "blēdan," meaning to lose blood.
Definition
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a symptom of many diseases rather than a disease itself. It can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The severity of the bleeding can range from minor to life-threatening.
Types
There are two main types of gastrointestinal bleeding: upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding originates from the esophagus, stomach, or first part of the small intestine. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding originates from the rest of the small intestine, large intestine, rectum, or anus.
Causes
Gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer, and hemorrhoids.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and imaging studies.
Treatment
Treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the bleeding, and the patient's overall health. It may involve medications, endoscopic therapy, surgery, or angiography.
Related Terms
- Hematemesis: Vomiting of blood, often due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Melena: Black, tarry stools caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Hematochezia: Passage of fresh blood through the rectum, usually in or with stools, often due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Wikipedia's article - Gastrointestinal bleeding
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