Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer, and hemorrhoids. Gastrointestinal bleeding can present as either upper gastrointestinal bleeding (occurring in the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine) or lower gastrointestinal bleeding (occurring in the lower small intestine, colon, or rectum). Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding may include bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, weakness, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, imaging tests (such as endoscopy or colonoscopy), and blood tests. Treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, endoscopic procedures, surgery, or blood transfusions. Research in the field of gastrointestinal bleeding focuses on improving diagnostic methods, understanding the underlying causes of bleeding, developing new treatments, and determining the long-term outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. By advancing our knowledge in this area, researchers aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by gastrointestinal bleeding.