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Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

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Definition & Facts

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is any type of bleeding that starts in the GI tract, also called the digestive tract. GI bleeding is a symptom or complication of a disease or condition. GI bleeding may be acute or chronic and may occur in the upper, middle, or lower GI tract.

Doctor talking with older male patient.

Symptoms & Causes

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding symptoms depend on how severe the bleeding is and whether the bleeding is acute or chronic. A variety of diseases and conditions can cause GI bleeding, including peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, diverticular disease, gastritis, hemorrhoids, and cancer.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical and family history and perform a physical exam. Doctors may also order tests to diagnose the location of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, find out how severe the bleeding is, and find its cause. Tests may include blood or stool tests, endoscopy, and imaging tests.

Treatment

If you have symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, seek medical help right away. Doctors often treat GI bleeding with medical treatments such as endoscopy or angiography. In some cases, doctors may also recommend medicines or surgery.

Eating, Diet, & Nutrition

Depending on the disease or condition that caused your gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet or lifestyle to lower your chance of future GI bleeding.

Clinical Trials

NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including digestive diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.

Your Digestive System & How It Works

The digestive system is made up of the GI tract—also called the digestive tract—and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.

Last Reviewed July 2024

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

NIDDK would like to thank:
John Saltzman, M.D., Harvard Medical School