Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Main Symptoms and Treatments

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Did you know that upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be quite serious?

This condition can present symptoms such as vomiting blood, dark stools, and intense abdominal pain, and needs to be treated as quickly as possible to avoid complications.

In this article from EndoBlog, we will cover the main symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the treatments available for this condition.

Follow along to better understand this subject and know when to seek a specialist.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB): what is it?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) manifests as bleeding in the regions responsible for digestion, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Considered an emergency, UGB can be identified when there is vomiting of blood or the presence of very dark stools.

It is important to emphasize that, with the appearance of symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately, and hospitalization is usually required.

Pay attention to the signs of your body and do not hesitate to seek help if you notice any symptoms or signs.

Main symptoms

When it comes to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is important to be aware of the main symptoms that may indicate the presence of this condition:

• Vomiting blood;
• Dark stools with a very foul odor;
• Heartburn;
• Abdominal pains;
• Syncope;
• Weakness;
• Tiredness.

Causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is due to a rupture in the mucous membranes of the digestive system, resulting in bleeding in the organs that act in digestion.

This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including peptic ulcer or by abuse of medications, such as anti-inflammatories. In addition to medical conditions such as ICU admission, abdominal surgeries, and especially hepatic cirrhosis when there are esophageal varices.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: treatment and diagnosis

Diagnosis

To diagnose upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is important to perform an upper digestive endoscopy (UDE), preferably within the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms.

This examination is considered the most important for the detection and localization of the bleeding, enabling early treatment.

However, before the examination, it is also important to perform a complete blood count, coagulation tests, renal function, liver function, and electrolytes. All these procedures help to obtain an accurate and timely diagnosis for the appropriate treatment to be started as soon as possible.

Treatment

The therapeutic approach can vary according to the cause of the bleeding, the amount of blood lost, and the clinical conditions of the patient.

Initially, the patient will be stabilized, with supportive care: hydration, cardiorespiratory monitoring, and blood transfusion if necessary. Then, it is essential to identify the source of the bleeding, through examinations such as upper digestive endoscopy and rarely arteriography.

The specific treatment may require the use of medications to reduce stomach acidity, antibiotics to treat possible infections, endoscopic procedures, such as cauterization or elastic ligatures, to stop the bleeding. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Medical follow-up is fundamental to promote the effectiveness of the treatment and prevent recurrences. In addition, it is important to adopt healthy habits, with a balanced diet and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, to prevent the onset of new episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

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