Bleeding from the upper part of the digestive system, which includes the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine, is known as upper gastrointestinal bleeding or upper GI bleeding. This bleeding can be sudden and heavy, making it a medical emergency that requires quick attention.
When bleeding happens inside the stomach or food pipe, it may appear as blood in vomit or very dark stools. Because this condition can lead to serious complications like shock or anaemia, getting medical help immediately is very important.
Through Hope Plus, you can easily connect with a licensed healthcare provider in minutes. Whether you’re worried about vomiting blood, unusual stool colour, or stomach pain, Hope Plus helps you speak directly with a professional who can guide you on what to do next and where to go for treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is bleeding from the oesophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine.
- It can cause vomiting of blood or black, tar-like stool.
- It may result from ulcers, severe gastritis, or swollen veins in the food pipe.
- It is a medical emergency that needs immediate care.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications like shock or anaemia.
Causes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Several conditions can cause bleeding in the upper digestive tract. The most common include:
- Peptic ulcers – sores in the stomach or upper small intestine that may bleed.
- Severe gastritis – inflammation of the stomach lining, often from infection, alcohol, or certain medicines.
- Gastro-oesophageal varices – swollen veins in the food pipe that can burst, often due to liver disease.
- Mallory-Weiss tear – a tear in the lining of the oesophagus caused by repeated or forceful vomiting.
- Stomach cancer – though less common, it can also lead to bleeding.
Symptoms to Watch For
The signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding can appear suddenly or develop over time. Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting blood – either bright red or dark, resembling coffee grounds.
- Dark, tarry stools – also called melena, which have a strong, unpleasant smell.
- Fainting or dizziness – due to blood loss and low blood pressure.
- Fast heartbeat, sweating, or feeling weak – signs of significant blood loss.
- Tiredness or pale skin – which can happen if bleeding is slow and causes anaemia over time.
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially vomiting blood or passing black stools, go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Possible Complications
Without quick treatment, upper GI bleeding can lead to serious problems such as:
- Acute blood loss (hypovolaemia) – causing fainting, low blood pressure, and a racing heartbeat.
- Chronic anaemia – if bleeding continues slowly over time, leading to tiredness and weakness.
How It Is Diagnosed
Doctors use endoscopy to find the source of bleeding. This test involves passing a thin tube with a camera through the mouth to look inside the stomach and food pipe. It helps healthcare providers see exactly where the bleeding is coming from and sometimes even stop it during the same procedure.
Other tests may include blood tests to check for anaemia and blood loss.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on how severe the bleeding is and what caused it. Usually, the healthcare team will:
- Stabilise you first by giving fluids or blood transfusions if needed.
- Use endoscopy to locate and stop the bleeding, sometimes by burning, clipping, or injecting medicine directly at the site.
- Give medicines such as:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid and help ulcers heal.
- Antibiotics if infection (like H. pylori) is found.
- Special medicines for bleeding from varices (like octreotide or vasopressin).
- Treat the underlying cause, such as stopping alcohol use or managing liver disease.
After treatment, patients are usually monitored closely to ensure the bleeding has stopped and to prevent it from returning.
Prevention Tips
While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking.
- Limiting use of painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin unless prescribed.
- Eating balanced meals and avoiding very spicy or acidic foods if you have ulcers.
- Seeking medical advice early if you experience persistent stomach pain or vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does it mean if I vomit blood?
Vomiting blood means there is bleeding somewhere in your food pipe or stomach. It should always be treated as an emergency.
2. Is dark stool always a sign of bleeding?
Not always. Some foods or iron tablets can darken stool, but if it is very dark, sticky, and has a bad smell, see a doctor immediately.
3. Can ulcers cause internal bleeding?
Yes. Stomach or duodenal ulcers are a common cause of upper GI bleeding in Uganda.
4. How do doctors stop the bleeding?
Most bleeding can be stopped using endoscopy, where doctors treat the source directly. In severe cases, surgery might be needed.
5. Can upper GI bleeding come back after treatment?
Yes, especially if the underlying cause, like ulcers or liver disease, is not treated properly.
6. Is it safe to take herbal medicines for ulcers or bleeding?
You should be cautious. Some herbal products can worsen bleeding. Always consult a healthcare provider first.
7. When should I go to the hospital?
Go immediately if you vomit blood, feel dizzy, faint, or pass black stools. Delaying can be life-threatening.
