Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Alternate Names : GI Bleeding, Bleeding in the Gut, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
What are the treatments for the condition?
Those with heavy bleeding may need blood transfusions. Fluids may be given through a an intravenous line, which is a thin tube inserted into a person's vein. Further treatment is often directed at the cause, if it can be determined. For example, those with:
ulcers may need medications to reduce stomach acid, such as ranitidine or omeprazole
cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
an infection may need antibiotics
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects depend on the treatments used:
Blood transfusions may cause allergic reactions or infections.
Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset.
Surgery carries a risk of infection and bleeding.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Some people may die even with treatment if the bleeding is heavy and cannot be stopped. This is not uncommon in those with bleeding from esophageal varices. Some people are able to return to normal activities right away, such as most people with hemorrhoids.
How is the condition monitored?
Periodic CBC blood tests may be done to make sure the blood counts are stable. Many people with bleeding are briefly monitored for further bleeding in the hospital. Other monitoring is usually related to the cause. For example, those with a stomach ulcer may need a repeat endoscopy procedure in the future to make sure the ulcer is healing properly.
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