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Most Common Cause of a Lower GI Bleed

Bleeding from anywhere in the body means that there is a problem, an injury or trauma. Having a bleed in the lower GI tract is no different. Bleeding in the intestines can be dangerous, and a sign of a serious problem. It requires immediate medical attention.

  1. Signs of a Lower GI Bleed

    • Lower GI bleeds are most commonly detected by seeing blood in the stool. It will usually be bright red blood because it is a lower gastrointestinal bleed, as opposed to black, tarry blood, which is an upper GI bleed.

    Reasons for Lower GI Bleeds

    • There are several reasons for lower GI bleeds. These can range from hemorrhoids to diverticulosis, angiodysplasia, a fissure and polyps. Any one of these problems can cause bright red blood to be found in the stool.

    Signs of a Lower GI Bleed

    • Other than blood in the stool, the bleeding can cause nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue. A fever may accompany the other symptoms if an infection is also present.

    Warnings of a Lower GI Bleed

    • A lower GI bleed can cause a person to become anemic. This means that the person loses too much blood. This can cause him to get very weak, and if left untreated, may even require more extensive medical care.

    Tests for a Lower GI Bleed

    • The most common test for a lower GI bleed is an endoscopy. This is a scope that is inserted into the rectum and follows the lower GI tract to detect where the bleed is originating. An ultrasound is another test that is sometimes used for lower GI bleeds, along with a CAT scan.

    Solutions for Lower GI Bleeds

    • Depending on the origin of the bleed, surgery may be the best option for a lower GI bleed. The doctor may need to repair or excise the cause of the bleed if it is a hemorrhoid or a polyp. Sometimes, depending on the cause, medication can treat the problem.

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