• Patient Portal
  • Patient Portal Help
  • PAY YOUR BILL
  • Book Appointment
For after hours care, call 813-567-5679
HealthFlex
×
  • Home
  • About Practice
    • Our Staff
    • Research Department
    • Mission Statement
  • Providers
  • Services
    • Bone Density
    • Dermatology
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Diabetes
    • Endocrine
    • Geriatric
    • Gynecology
    • High Blood Pressure
    • VIEW MORE SERVICES
  • More Info
    • Billing
    • Controlled Substances Policy
    • News
    • Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Transition
    • Patients’ Bill of Rights
    • Preparing for Your Visit
    • Referral Policy
  • Insurance
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us

Recognize the Signs of GI Bleeding

Recognize the Signs of GI Bleeding
September 14, 2019Medical ArticlesNews

Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract begins with your mouth and ends with your anus. Bleeding anywhere along your GI tract is an indication of a problem. Knowing the signs of GI bleeding can alert you to the need for medical attention.

Sometimes, GI bleeding is obvious — you see the blood — and is referred to as overt bleeding. In other instances, you may not know the bleeding is happening, and medical professionals call that occult bleeding.

There are many possible causes of GI bleeding, and they range from relatively mild problems to life-threatening conditions. The providers at Family Medical Specialists can identify the cause of your GI bleeding and then suggest a treatment plan.

 

Symptoms of GI bleeding

The symptoms that you experience when you have bleeding in your GI tract depend on several factors, including where in your GI tract the bleeding is occuring, whether it’s overt or occult, and whether you’re experiencing acute or chronic bleeding.

With occult, chronic GI bleeding, you may experience:

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Problems breathing
  • Feeling faint or actually fainting
  • Pain in your chest
  • Pain or cramps in your abdomen

Overt bleeding, which is more obvious, may cause:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Bloody stool
  • Tarry-looking or black stool
  • Vomiting blood, which may look like coffee grounds or may be bright red

Acute bleeding can cause shock. The symptoms of shock include:

  • A sudden drop in your blood pressure
  • A rapid pulse
  • Losing consciousness
  • Urinating very little or not at all

 

Possible causes of GI bleeding

There are myriad possible causes of GI bleeding, some of which are medical emergencies. Other causes are relatively minor — but could become more serious without proper care. A few of the potential reasons for GI bleeding are listed below.

 

Various cancers

Cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, or rectum can cause GI bleeding.  All parts of your gastrointestinal system are susceptible to various cancers, and they can cause bleeding.

 

Lactose intolerance

Lactose is a type of sugar that occurs naturally in dairy products. If you’re lactose intolerant, your body can’t digest lactose. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common form of lactose intolerance. It’s a normal result of aging, because as you age your body produces less of the enzyme necessary to digest lactose.

 

Ulcers

There are different types of ulcers. Peptic (stomach) ulcers are the most common reason for GI bleeding.

The use of certain medications or an infection from certain bacteria can cause your gastric acid to damage the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine, resulting in a sore. That sore is a peptic ulcer.

 

Mallory-Weiss tears

Small tears in the lining of your esophagus are known as Mallory-Weiss tears. Severe vomiting can cause them, and they’re most common in people who drink alcohol excessively.

 

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures

Straining during bowel movements can cause hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which are small tears in the tissues of your anus. Both conditions can cause GI bleeding.

These are only a few of the issues that can lead to GI bleeding. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to seek medical attention if you think you may have GI bleeding. Even if it’s caused by a non-life-threatening condition, GI bleeding can be dangerous.

If you notice any sign of GI bleeding, contact Family Medical Specialists of Florida. Our experts will work with you to diagnose and treat your problem. You can call the office in Plant City, Florida, or click the “book online” button to schedule your visit.

Family Medical Specialists of Florida, PLC, Plant City, FL.

813-567-5679

appointments@fmsflorida.com

1703 Thonotosassa Road, Suite A, Plant City, FL 33563

Quick Links

  • Patient Portal
  • Patient Portal Help
  • Pay your Bill Online
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact Us

Latest News

  • Could You or a Loved One Be Suffering from Depression? Watch for the Symptoms Sep 14

    Clinical depression is significantly different from just feeling down in...

  • Let Us Help You Find Healthy Alternatives to Abuse of Opioids, Marijuana, and Sleeping Pills Sep 14

    If you live with chronic pain, there’s a good chance...

All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2023