What are the three main presentations of GI bleeding?

What are the three main presentations of GI bleeding?

Clinical presentations of gastrointestinal bleeding are classified as overt (acute), occult (chronic) or obscure and the corresponding diagnostic algorithms are illustrated through review of the key evidence and consensus guidelines. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are the mainstay of initial investigations.

What should the teaching plan be for a patient with a gastrointestinal bleed?

Eat small meals more often while your digestive system heals. Avoid or limit caffeine and spicy foods. Also avoid foods that cause heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea.

What is upper GI bleed?

Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is defined as bleeding derived from a source proximal to the ligament of Treitz. The incidence of UGIB is approximately 100 cases per 100,000 population per year.

What is the most common cause of GI bleeding?

Peptic ulcer. This is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. Stomach acid, either from bacteria or use of anti-inflammatory drugs, damages the lining, leading to formation of sores.

What is gastrointestinal bleeding signs and symptoms?

What are the symptoms of GI bleeding?

• black or tarry stool.
• bright red blood in vomit.
• cramps in the abdomen.
• dark or bright red blood mixed with stool.
• dizziness or faintness.
• feeling tired.
• paleness.
• shortness of breath.

What factors can contribute to an upper GI bleed?

Potential causes of bleeding in the upper GI tract include:

• Bleeding peptic ulcers. Peptic, or stomach, ulcers may be due to a Helicobacter pylori infection or overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Varices.
• Growths.
• Esophagitis.
• Injury or tear.
• Surgery.
• Diverticulitis.
• Hemorrhoid.

What are the risk factors of a GI bleed?

Risk factors that may lead to GI bleeding include:

• Chronic vomiting.
• Alcoholism.
• Medications, including but not limited to. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs); commonly used NSAIDs include. Aspirin. Ibuprofen (Advil) Naproxen (Aleve) Anticoagulants.
• Gastrointestinal surgery.

What causes Melaena?

Melena usually occurs as a result of an upper gastrointestinal bleed (rarely it can be due to bleeding in the small intestine or ascending colon). Upper GI haemorrhage has a number of causes, the most common of which are peptic ulcer disease, liver disease, and gastric cancer.

How serious is a GI bleed?

Due to a severe loss of blood and fluid in acute GI bleeding, the heart finds it difficult to pump enough blood to the body, which is referred to as hypovelemia. It is a life-threatening condition since it can cause the body’s organs to stop working.