How To Identify Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms
There is a serious condition that requires medical treatment, but it is not always an emergency.You will need to see your doctor if you notice signs of an upper GI bleed.If you have an upper GI bleed, you need immediate medical treatment.If you learn how to identify an upper GI bleed, you will be able to determine if it is something to call your doctor about or something that will require a trip to the hospital.
Step 1: There are signs of blood in your stool.
You might have an idea that there is something wrong because of your vomiting or bowel movements.You need to make an appointment to see your doctor if you notice blood in your stool or vomit.Blood in your stool, on the toilet paper, or in the bathroom bowl are some of the symptoms that people notice when they have an upper GI bleed.
Step 2: If you have acute symptoms, seek immediate help.
If the problem is severe, you need to call the emergency room.Weakness or fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and loss of consciousness are some of the signs that you may be going into shock from the bleeding.
Step 3: There are some medical conditions that can put you at risk.
It is important to see your doctor if you notice any signs of GI bleeding because you may not know you have a serious medical condition.If you have had a non-serious condition such as hemorrhoids or an anal fissure in the past, you are at a higher risk of GI bleeding.GI bleeding can be caused by serious conditions, such as colon cancer.
Step 4: Take a moment to reflect on the upper GI diagnoses you have received.
If you have been diagnosed with another condition, you are more at risk of developing an upper GI bleed.If you've received a medical diagnosis that increases your risk of a GI bleed, consider it.There are some conditions that can cause an upper GI bleed.
Step 5: You should check the warnings on your medication.
The risk of an upper GI bleed can be increased by some medications.Take into account the over-the-counter and prescription drugs that you take on a regular basis as well as any warnings about an increased chance of gastrointestinal bleeding.Ibuprofen and naproxen can increase your risk of a GI bleed.The risk of an upper GI bleed is increased by some prescription medications.The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding can be 15 times higher if you take a SSRI and an NSAID together.Check the warnings to make sure your medication doesn't put you at risk of a GI bleed.
Step 6: There are lifestyle factors that can put you at risk.
Certain lifestyle factors may increase your risk of bleeding.Share any relevant information with your doctor when you think about your lifestyle.If you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or eat acidic foods, you may be increasing your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.Take your alcohol consumption into account.The level of acid in your stomach can be increased by alcohol.Take smoking into account.Smoking increases stomach acid and may increase your risk of bleeding.Think about your diet.Coffee and spicy foods can increase the acid levels in your stomach and this could increase your risk of a gastrointestinal bleed.
Step 7: You should make an appointment with your doctor.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you suspect you have an upper GI bleed.If you have an upper GI bleed, you will need to get treated in a laboratory.Don't delay treatment.If it isn't treated quickly, an upper GI bleed will become more severe.
Step 8: Provide a detailed health history.
Your doctor will ask a lot of questions about your past health problems and your current condition.To help your doctor make a diagnosis, you need to give honest, complete answers to the questions.This is important information for your doctor to know if you have a history of ulcers.Your doctor will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms, such as when they started, what they are, and what helps to ease them.
Step 9: You should get a physical exam.
A physical exam is needed by your doctor.Your doctor will listen to your bowel sounds, tap on different parts of your body, and look for signs of a problem during this exam.If you are in pain, let your doctor know.If you have pain in a specific area of your abdomen, tell your doctor so they can avoid pressing on it.
Step 10: Go for more tests.
It is possible for your doctor to require multiple diagnostic tests.You will need to go to a hospital if your doctor suspects there is a problem.The blood tests may be used to determine the extent of the bleeding.A stool sample is required for a blood test.If there is blood in your stool, the sample will be sent to the lab.An angiogram is a test that uses x-rays to photograph your colon and can help identify the site of the bleeding.This can be done with a special catheter and without any preparation.A small amount of radioactive material will be injected into your body after your blood is drawn.Similar to an x-ray, a special camera will take pictures.This can be used to identify the location of the bleeding.Your doctor can use Upper GI endoscopy to find the cause of the bleeding.In this procedure, a small tube with a camera at the end of it is inserted into your throat and stomach.There is a screen in the room.You will be given anesthesia for the procedure.This is similar to an upper GI endoscopy, but the tube is longer, and it provides images further down in your GI tract.When you swallow a capsule with a camera inside, it's called capsule enteroscopy.The camera takes pictures of your GI tract as it moves through your body.If you experience bleeding from your rectum but have a negative upper GI endoscopy, you will most likely need a colonoscopy to find the cause.A small tube with a camera will be inserted into your rectum.Nasogastric lavage may be needed to find the cause of the GI bleed.The contents of your stomach will be removed through a tube through your nose.