What is Upper GI Bleed?

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding happens when there’s bleeding in the upper part of the digestive system, like the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine. Upper GI bleeds can be serious and require medical attention to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as upper GI bleeding can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. 

Doctors can diagnose an upper GI bleed through tests like endoscopy or imaging scans, and treatment may involve medications, procedures to stop the bleeding, or surgery in severe cases.

Symptoms of Upper GI Bleed

 Here are the symptoms of an Upper GI bleed:

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Passing black or tarry stools
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Having a rapid heartbeat
• Feeling faint
• Experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort

Remember, in some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms, especially if the bleeding is slow. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor.

Causes of Upper GI Bleed

Here are the common causes of an Upper GI bleed:

• Peptic ulcers: Sores in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine.
• Esophageal varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus, often due to liver disease.
• Mallory-Weiss tears: Tears in the lining of the esophagus, usually caused by severe vomiting.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to erosion and bleeding.
• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux or infection.
• Cancer: Tumors in the stomach, esophagus, or other upper GI organs can cause bleeding.
• Medications: Certain medications can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers or bleeding.

Treatment of Upper GI Bleed

Treatment aims to stop the bleeding, stabilize the patient, and prevent further bleeding. To stop bleeding some medications are given. Endoscopy may be used to find the bleeding spot and stop it.

Surgery is considered if other methods don’t work. Resting, avoiding certain foods, and taking medications as prescribed help in recovery. It’s important to follow up with doctors for monitoring and prevention of future bleeds.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic