Etiology of Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Understanding Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a serious medical condition that affects the digestive tract, leading to the loss of blood. The bleeding can be classified into upper and lower GI bleeding, depending on its origin.

Causes of Upper GI Bleeding

• Peptic Ulcers: A major cause of upper GI bleeding, resulting from H. pylori infections or excessive NSAID usage.
• Esophageal Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus due to liver disease can rupture and cause severe bleeding.
• Gastric Cancer: Malignant tumors may contribute to bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
• Mallory-Weiss Tear: A tear in the mucosa near the esophagus, often caused by severe vomiting.

Causes of Lower GI Bleeding

• Diverticulosis: Small bulging pouches in the colon may rupture, leading to bleeding.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause bleeding.
• Colorectal Cancer: Tumors in the colon or rectum may result in chronic or acute bleeding.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectal area can cause visible bleeding.

Diagnostic Approaches

Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and colonoscopy are key tools for direct visualization and identification of bleeding sources.

Imaging Techniques

CT angiography and nuclear medicine scans help detect obscure GI bleeding when endoscopic methods are inconclusive.

Laboratory Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profiles, and stool tests aid in evaluating severity and underlying conditions.