![]() ![]() ![]() A black, tarry stool (melena) often indicates an upper GI source of bleeding although it could originate from the small intestine or right colon. More obvious bleeding may present with hematemesis (bloody vomit), which may either be red or dark and coffee-like in appearance.īlood in the stool could either be bright red, burgundy and clotted, or black and tarry in appearance, depending on the location of the bleeding source. ![]() In more severe cases of chronic or acute bleeding, symptoms may include signs of anemia, such as weakness, pallor, dizziness, shortness of breath or angina. Blood in the stool often can be detected by hemoccult testing (testing for blood in your stool) during a routine office examination. Many of these patients never notice any blood loss, but it occurs in small amounts with the bowel movement so that it is not noticeable. Mild, chronic GI blood loss may not show any active bleeding, but can still result in an iron deficiency anemia. The symptoms of GI bleeding depend on the acuteness and on the source of the blood loss. Also, making an accurate diagnosis can allow a patient to be treated appropriately for the underlying condition that caused the bleeding in the first place. An exact diagnosis may prevent a recurrence of bleeding and may help us treat future episodes more effectively. Many bleeding episodes resolve on their own, but it is still imperative that the bleeding site be determined. The overall mortality for severe GI bleeding is approximately 8 percent, but this number is diminishing with the arrival of superior diagnostic techniques and newer medical treatments. It can vary in degrees, from massive life-threatening hemorrhage to a slow, insidious chronic blood loss. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common clinical problem frequently requiring hospitalization. ![]()
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