Digestive Health An Overview of Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding By Sharon Gillson Sharon Gillson Sharon Gillson is a writer living with and covering GERD and other digestive issues. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 23, 2022 Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD LinkedIn Priyanka Chugh, MD, is board-certified gastroenterologist with a background in internal medicine. She practices with Trinity Health of New England in Waterbury, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Many times, gastrointestinal tract bleeding is not serious, such as in the case of hemorrhoids. However, some bleeds, particularly those that occur in the upper GI tract, can be large and fatal. Therefore, it is very important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider for any GI bleeding, and if someone has any of the symptoms of an acute bleed, they should seek emergency treatment immediately. Bleeding in the digestive tract is not a disease, but rather a symptom of disease. The cause of bleeding may be related to a condition that can be cured, or it may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Kirissa99/Getty Images Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms What symptoms you have depends on which area of the digestive tract the bleeding occurs in, and whether bleeding is acute (brief and possibly severe) or chronic (long duration). Symptoms of Upper GI Bleeding Bright red blood, dark clots, or coffee ground-like material in vomitBlack, tar-like stool Symptoms of Lower GI Bleeding Passing only bright red blood, or passing blood mixed in the stool (turning stool to black or tar-like)Bright red or maroon-colored blood in the stool Symptoms of Acute Bleeding WeaknessShortness of breathDizzinessRapid pulseReduced urine flowCramping abdominal painCold, clammy hands and feetFaintnessDiarrheaConfusionDisorientationSleepinessBright red blood coating the stoolDark blood mixed with the stoolBlack or tarry stoolBright red blood in vomit"Coffee grounds" appearance of vomit Symptoms of Chronic Bleeding WeaknessFatigueShortness of breathPallorChest painDizzinessLethargyFaintnessBright red blood coating the stoolDark blood mixed with the stoolBlack or tarry stoolBright red blood in vomitCoffee grounds appearance of vomit Causes The digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal tract or GI tract, contains several parts. These include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (also called the colon), rectum, and anus. Bleeding in the GI tract may have a number of different causes depending on where in the digestive system it occurs. The Esophagus Inflammation (Esophagitis): Stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus can cause inflammation, and this inflammation may lead to bleeding.Varices: These are abnormally enlarged veins located at the lower end of the esophagus.Tears: A tear in the lining of the esophagus that is usually caused by prolonged vomiting, but may also be caused by prolonged coughing or hiccuping. This is sometimes called Mallory-Weiss syndrome, which is a disorder of the lower end of the esophagus caused by severe retching and vomiting and characterized by laceration associated with bleeding.UlcersCancer In the Stomach Ulcers: Ulcers may enlarge and erode through a blood vessel, causing bleeding. Gastritis Cancer In the Small Intestine Duodenal ulcer Inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammation may occur, which can lead to bleeding. Cancer In the Large Intestine and Rectum Hemorrhoids: This is the most common cause of visible blood in the lower digestive tract, and is usually a bright red. They are enlarged veins in the anal area that can rupture and bleed. Ulcerative colitis: Inflammation and small ulcerations can cause bleeding. Crohn's disease: This is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation that may result in rectal bleeding. Colorectal cancer: This is a condition caused by out-pouching of the colon wall. Diagnosis A healthcare provider will usually begin the diagnostic process by recording the patient's medical history and doing a complete physical exam. During the exam, your healthcare provider will ask about your bowel habits (going more or less often than usual), stool color (black or red), and consistency (looser or more firm). They will also ask if you are experiencing any pain or tenderness, and where it's located. The healthcare providerwill then follow with diagnostic tests if the exam didn't reveal a cause of the bleeding (such as hemorrhoids), or to determine if there is more than one cause for the bleeding. Diagnostic tests include: Upper endoscopy EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Anoscopy Barium x-rays Biopsies Treatment Treatment of bleeding in the digestive tract depends on the cause of bleeding, and whether the bleeding is acute or chronic. For example, if aspirin is responsible for the bleeding, typically if a patient stops taking aspirin, the bleeding is treated. If cancer is the cause of the bleeding, the usual course of treatment is the removal of the tumor. If a peptic ulcer is the cause of the bleeding, the healthcare provider may prescribe a drug for the treatment of H. pylori, recommend a change in diet, possibly a change in lifestyle. The first step in the treatment of GI bleeding is to stop the bleeding. This is usually done by injecting chemicals directly into a bleeding site, or by cauterizing the bleeding site with a heater probe passed through an endoscope. The next step is to treat the condition that caused the bleeding. This includes medications used to treat ulcers, esophagitis, H. pylori, and other infections. These include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antibiotics. Surgical intervention may also be needed, especially if the cause of the bleeding is a tumor or polyps, or if treatment with an endoscope is unsuccessful. 8 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of GI bleeding. MedlinePlus. Shock. Merck Manual. Overview of gastrointestinal bleeding. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diagnosis of GI bleeding. MedlinePlus. EGD—esophagogastroduodenoscopy. MedlinePlus. Anoscopy. MedlinePlus. Helicobacter pylori infection. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment of GI bleeding. By Sharon Gillson Sharon Gillson is a writer living with and covering GERD and other digestive issues. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit