What are the causes of gastrointestinal bleeding ?

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. There are several potential causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, ranging from minor to serious conditions. Some common causes include: Peptic ulcers: These are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. When these ulcers erode blood vessels, they can cause bleeding. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to irritation and erosion of blood vessels, resulting in bleeding. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to bleeding. Esophageal varices: These are enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus that can occur in individuals with liver disease (cirrhosis). They are at risk of rupturing and causing significant bleeding. Mallory-Weiss tears: These are tears in the lining of the esophagus or stomach, often caused by severe vomiting or retching. They can lead to bleeding. Angiodysplasia: Abnormalities in blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bleeding. These are more common in the elderly. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation and ulceration in the digestive tract, leading to bleeding. Colorectal polyps or cancer: Growths in the colon or rectum, such as polyps or cancerous tumors, can bleed and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Diverticulosis: Small pouches can develop in the colon lining. If these pouches become inflamed or bleed, they can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal infections: Infections, such as Helicobacter pylori or viral gastroenteritis, can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract. Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Peptic ulcer disease: In addition to causing ulcers, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can also contribute to bleeding. Radiation therapy: Individuals undergoing radiation treatment for cancer in the abdominal area might experience gastrointestinal bleeding as a side effect. Thus there are some new techniques in radiation therapy, like ETHOS AI based Adaptive Radiotherapy, that monitors dose delivery thus reducing side effects. Vascular malformations: Abnormalities in blood vessels can lead to bleeding in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal bleeding can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms such as bloody or dark stools, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, or lightheadedness, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of the bleeding and recommend appropriate treatment. One must consult with the best doctors to get appropriate treatment for the GI bleeding. There are best hepatologists in Delhi and in India, in various hospitals like Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals , where one can get tests done to identify the cause of GI bleeding. When is GI bleeding considered dangerous ? Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can vary in severity, and whether it's considered dangerous depends on several factors, including the amount of bleeding, the rate of bleeding, the underlying cause, and the overall health of the individual. In general, GI bleeding is considered dangerous when it poses a risk to the person's health and well-being. Here are some situations that can indicate the severity of GI bleeding: Amount of Blood Loss: The amount of blood lost plays a significant role in determining the danger of GI bleeding. Large amounts of blood loss can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count), hypovolemic shock (a severe drop in blood volume), and even death if not addressed promptly. Symptoms: Symptoms such as vomiting blood, passing dark or bloody stools, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or experiencing rapid heart rate can suggest significant bleeding and potential danger. Rate of Bleeding: Rapid or profuse bleeding can lead to more immediate danger, especially if it's not controlled promptly. Slow, chronic bleeding might not be as immediately dangerous but can still lead to anemia over time. Underlying Cause: Some causes of GI bleeding, such as bleeding ulcers, esophageal varices, and certain cancers, are more likely to result in severe bleeding and complications. Overall Health: The health and medical history of the person are important factors. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, weakened immune systems, or other health issues might be more susceptible to the dangers of GI bleeding.