Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

Blood can be lost through the gastrointestinal tract in several ways:

1. Ulcers: Peptic ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine, can bleed and cause blood loss.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation and damage to the intestines, can lead to bleeding and blood loss in the stool.

3. Diverticular Disease: Diverticular disease, characterized by small pouches or sacs forming in the colon, can sometimes cause these pouches to bleed, leading to blood in the stool.

4. Colorectal Cancer: Cancerous or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum can cause bleeding, which may appear as bright red or dark red blood in the stool.

5. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, which are swollen and enlarged veins in the rectum or anus, can bleed, especially when straining during bowel movements.

6. Anal Fissures: Small tears or cracks in the skin around the anus can cause bleeding during bowel movements.

7. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: This condition is characterized by tears in the mucous membrane at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, leading to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

8. Gastrointestinal Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding and bloody diarrhea.

9. Esophageal Varices: These are enlarged and swollen veins in the esophagus that can bleed, especially in individuals with certain liver conditions like cirrhosis.

10. Angiodysplasia: This condition involves abnormal blood vessel formations in the gastrointestinal tract, which can rupture and cause bleeding.

11. Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma or injuries to the gastrointestinal tract, such as those caused by accidents or medical procedures, can result in bleeding.

12. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, and certain chemotherapy drugs, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

It's important to note that any unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.