Understanding Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Symptoms and Causes

Gastrointestinal bleeding can sneak up on you, often having little to no symptoms. GI bleeding can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. Your gastroenterologist can help. Dr. Daniel Alpert in New York, NY, provides comprehensive gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding.

What You Need To Know About Gastrointestinal Bleeding

There are several medical conditions which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. You may experience GI bleeding from:

• An ulcer
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Intestinal or colon cancer

You should visit a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms:

• Dark, tarry stools
• Frequent lack of energy
• Chronic nausea and vomiting
• Frequent abdominal swelling and pain
• Unintended or unexplained weight loss
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea

To diagnose the cause of your gastrointestinal bleeding, your gastroenterologist may recommend diagnostic procedures, including:

• A colonoscopy, to examine your lower digestive system
• An endoscopy, to examine your upper digestive system
• Abdominal ultrasound, to examine digestive structures for abnormalities
• Laboratory testing, to check for an underlying medical condition

Depending on the cause of your gastrointestinal bleeding, these are some of the most common treatment options:

• For hemorrhoids, your gastroenterologist may recommend hemorrhoid banding, to cut off blood flow to the hemorrhoid
• For inflammatory bowel disease or ulcers, your gastroenterologist may recommend dietary changes, stress management, and other treatment options
• For intestinal, colon, or colorectal cancer, your gastroenterologist may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments

Medication is a common form of treatment for GI bleeding. Your gastroenterologist may recommend medications to heal damaged tissue, reduce intestinal spasms, and facilitate easier and more regular bowel movements.

Want To Know More About Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

If you are experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, don’t ignore it. GI bleeding could be a sign of a potentially serious or life-threatening condition. To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, call Dr. Daniel Alpert in New York, NY. You can reach him in the office by calling (212) 599-7910, so call today.