Gastrointestinal Bleeding

What is Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

According to Medlineplus.gov, Gastrointestinal bleeding is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease. Gastrointestinal bleeding can be the result of many conditions and should never be taken as a sign of any particular problem without consulting a medical specialist. Rather, a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is needed to ascertain the source of the bleeding. Fortunately, the underlying condition can be cured or controlled in a majority of cases.

Bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can occur in one or more areas. These may include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum or anus. The source may be small or large and the blood may or may not be apparent. Luckily, simple tests can be performed to check for blood that is not visible, known as occult blood.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing gastrointestinal bleeding begins with taking your complete medical history and a physical examination. Dr. Tabib will take a full account of your symptoms, which can help him in identifying the location of your bleeding. In some cases, certain foods or medicines (beets, Pepto Bismol) can change the color of your stool. A lab test can confirm the presence of blood in your stool. He may also test you for anemia.

Endoscopy is usually the first technique used to determine the exact location and nature of the problem. Using a long, thin, flexible camera, Dr. Tabib can explore your digestive tract for signs of distress and irregularities. In some cases, a capsule endoscope equipped with a camera can be swallowed to provide a visual of your GI tract.

Barium X-rays, angiography and radionuclide scanning are less often used techniques for identifying the source of bleeding. These processes involve the use of special dyes or nuclear liquids to find the source of the bleeding.

Treatment for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

The endoscope is the most versatile tool for treating bleeding in the digestive tract. Special instruments can be passed through the scope and used at the site of the bleeding. Sometimes, special chemicals are injected to stop the bleeding. In other cases, a heater probe or coagulation device can be used to cauterize the site, using heat to stop the bleeding. If polyps are found, they can also be removed using the endoscope.

Following this initial treatment, the underlying cause of the bleeding will usually need to be addressed and controlled. Medications can be used to prevent recurrent bleeding in many cases, especially those caused by infection, esophagitis, ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your bleeding.

Today, gastroenterology conditions can be treated effectively. if diagnosed early with a colonscopy, these cancers can be cured with excellent outcomes. We provide everyone a personalized gastroenterology treatment plan to meet your unique needs and improve your quality of life. Contact our gastroenterology and hepatology center to schedule a consolation with Los Angeles’ preferred Gastroenterologist– Dr. Tabib.

Dr. Tabib’s completed his postgraduate fellowship, residency, and internships at the UCLA/Cedar-Sinai Medical Center.