You should seek emergency medical care if you suspect you have internal bleeding.Stabilizing your vital signs is the first step in treatment for an upper GI bleed.You are at risk of going into shock from significant blood loss in severe bleeding cases.Your doctor will perform tests to diagnose the specific cause of your upper GI bleed, so that the underlying cause can be treated.The treatment is usually done endoscopically.
Step 1: The signs and symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be seen.
One of the most common signs of GI bleeding is vomiting blood.Call your doctor if you experience the following symptoms: Vomiting blood, which may resemble coffee grounds, black stools with a foul smell, and lower GI bleeding.
Step 2: Have your vital signs checked.
An upper GI bleed can be life threatening, depending on the degree of bleeding.If you are losing blood at a rapid rate, the amount of blood left to circulate through your body decreases, which can lead to lightheadedness and paleness, as well as signs of shock from blood loss.Your doctor can determine how much blood you have lost by testing your vital signs.A rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate are some of the signs of more severe blood loss.
Step 3: Receive blood tests and see if you have anemia.
The degree of blood loss is one of the most important factors in assessing a GI bleed.In cases of severe blood loss, the key is to replace the lost blood before moving onto specific diagnosis and treatment options.If you are only losing a small amount of blood, your doctor can diagnose and treat you.The best way to assess the degree of blood loss is uncertain.If you are not in shock or showing other signs of blood loss, you can take a blood test.The molecule in your blood that carries oxygen will be checked with the blood test.The severity of anemia is related to the amount of blood lost from the GI bleed.
Step 4: If needed, get fluids or a blood transfusion.
Your doctor will give you IV fluids and/or a blood transfusion if he or she determines that you need to replenish your blood volume.In cases of less severe blood loss, IV fluids are given.They boost your blood volume, but don't directly increase your hemoglobin.If your hemoglobin is reduced.If you have a serious problem with your cardiorespiratory system, you may need a blood transfusion.
Step 5: Ask your doctor if you should take them.
The severity of upper GI bleeding can be reduced with the help of medications.Even if the cause of the bleed is not identified, it is recommended that you receive PPIs as they will decrease the chances of you needing an endoscopic repair once the source of bleeding is identified.
Step 6: Go for gastric lavage.
It is helpful to receive agastric lavage prior to an endoscopy.The stomach contents are washed away to allow a better view of the stomach wall during an examination.It is easier to identify the source of the upper GI bleed.It allows for a clearer view to aid in the treatment of the GI bleed.
Step 7: Receive an upper GI endoscopy.
If necessary, once you have been medically stable.If your vital signs were compromised or your degree of blood loss was severe enough, your doctor will need to determine the cause of your GI bleed.The ultimate treatment plan will be determined by determining the cause.If possible, an upper GI endoscopy should be performed within the first 24 hours of the bleed.An upper GI endoscopy is when a tube with a camera on the end is inserted down your throat.The purpose is to assess the source of GI bleeding using a camera.If the source of the bleeding is identified, treatments can be given endoscopically.
Step 8: The cause of the bleeding should be identified.
Pelcers in the stomach are the most common cause of upper GI bleeding.These are the majority of upper GI bleeds.They are more prevalent in people who have active H. Pylori infections in their stomachs, so offering antibiotic treatment may be part of the advised treatment plan.What accounts for 40% of upper GI bleeds?If you are not diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, your doctor will consider the following sources of upper GI bleeding.Esophageal varices are delicate blood vessels in the esophagus.There are arteriovenous malformations that can cause a person to bleed in the area of the abnormality.The delicate blood vessels of cancer growths are susceptible to bleeding.Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to blood loss.Duodenitis is an inflammation of the duodenum, which can lead to blood loss.
Step 9: The source of the bleed should be treated.
Once the source of the bleed is found, the upper GI endoscope can be used to administer treatment to the site of bleeding.There are a number of different types of treatment that can be offered endoscopically.
Step 10: The GI bleed may be worsened by medications.
While medical treatment is not the mainstay of treating an upper GI bleed, removing any medications that you may be on that could make the situation worse is important.Warfarin and other blood thinners disrupt your natural clotting cascade and make existing bleeds worse.If you need to stop them permanently, talk to your doctor.Upper GI bleeds can be caused by NSAID such as Ibuprofen.If you are taking one regularly, consider stopping it or replacing it with a different medication.Aspirin makes existing bleeds worse.If you have a GI bleed, talk to your doctor about temporarily stopping this medication.
Step 11: As needed, treat recurrent GI bleeds.
10% of treated upper GI bleeds recur.The treatment doesn't last long.If there is a case of recurrence, physicians are advised to try a second attempt at the same therapy.If the bleed recurs for a third time, physicians are advised to use arteriography or surgery.