Overview
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a sign of a disorder in the digestive tract. The blood often shows up in stool or vomit but isn’t always obvious. Stool may look black or tarry. Bleeding can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening.
Imaging technology or an endoscopic investigation can usually locate the cause of the bleeding. Treatment depends on the where the bleeding is located and how severe it is.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of GI bleeding can be easy to see, called overt, or not so obvious, known as occult. Symptoms depend on the rate of bleeding as well as the location of the bleed, which can be anywhere on the GI tract, from where it starts — the mouth — to where it ends — the anus.
Overt bleeding might show up as:
- Vomiting blood, which might be red or might be dark brown and look like coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry stool.
- Rectal bleeding, usually in or with stool.
With occult bleeding, you might have:
- Lightheadedness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fainting.
- Chest pain.
- Abdominal pain.
Symptoms of shock
If your bleeding starts suddenly and gets worse quickly, you could go into shock. Symptoms of shock include:
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Cool, clammy, pale skin.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Not urinating or urinating a little at a time.
- A gray or bluish tinge to lips or fingernails.
- Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation.
- Unconsciousness.
- Rapid pulse.
- Rapid breathing.
- Drop in blood pressure.
- Enlarged pupils.
When to see a doctor
If you have symptoms of shock, you or someone else should call 911 or your local emergency medical number. If you’re vomiting blood, see blood in your stools or have black, tarry stools, seek immediate medical care. If you notice any symptoms of GI bleeding, make an appointment with your doctor.
