Gastric bleeding is one of the common types of bleeding that occurs within the gastrointestinal tract. This type of bleeding can occur in various parts of the digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, rectum and anus. It is a very common health problem in our country and accounts for approximately 90% of all gastrointestinal bleeding. Although it is more common especially among people aged 60 and over, it is more common in men than women.
Stomach bleeding is a serious medical condition and requires emergency treatment. Stomach bleeding can occur for different reasons and its symptoms can vary depending on the severity and cause.
What are the symptoms of stomach bleeding?
Symptoms of stomach bleeding can vary from person to person and depending on the severity of the bleeding. Also, stomach bleeding can start slowly or suddenly. But in general, common symptoms of stomach bleeding can be:
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Dark or bloody stools,
- Stomach pain
- Weakness and fatigue,
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Why does stomach bleeding happen?
Stomach bleeding can have different causes and these causes can vary from person to person and from situation to situation. Common causes of stomach bleeding can be:
Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcer and Duodenal Ulcer): Peptic ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. These ulcers are usually caused by excessive production of stomach acid or inflammation caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Ulcers can cause bleeding.
Gastritis: Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) can lead to bleeding.
Cancer: Although it is a rare cause, stomach cancer can cause this condition.
Foreign Objects or Chemical Substances: Swallowed hard objects or corrosive chemicals can damage the lining of the stomach and cause bleeding.
Stomach Varicose Veins: Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver, can cause swelling of the veins in the stomach (varicose veins). These varicose veins can burst and cause bleeding.
Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of bleeding.
Coagulation Disorders: Coagulation disorders, which affect the normal clotting ability of blood, can lead to stomach bleeding.
Poisonous Plants or Mushrooms: Consumption of poisonous plants or mushrooms can damage the lining of the stomach and cause bleeding.
Injuries or Trauma: Blows, injuries or trauma to the stomach can lead to stomach bleeding.
Medications: Some medications can damage the lining of the stomach and cause bleeding.
How does stomach bleeding happen?
Stomach bleeding is usually caused by external factors and can be caused by injuries to the junction between the esophagus and stomach or to the inner wall of the stomach. For example, inflammation of the gastric mucosa due to tumors or ulcers can cause bleeding to leak. Also, in some cases, a small wound in the stomach wall can cause bleeding due to the effect of blood thinners.
In cases where the blood has insufficient clotting ability, bleeding cannot be stopped and gastric bleeding occurs. Excessive use of painkillers can also cause wounds in the stomach wall and thus bleeding due to certain components in the medication. Symptoms of gastric bleeding may vary from person to person, and therefore the frequently asked question of how to recognize gastric bleeding should be answered by a specialist physician after examination and additional tests.
How is stomach bleeding diagnosed?
Stomachbleeding is diagnosed using a series of medical evaluations and imaging tests. The following methods are used to determine the source and severity of gastric bleeding:
Anamnesis (Patient History): The doctor asks about the patient's symptoms and medical history. The doctor finds out when the symptoms started, how severe they are and whether the patient has had similar symptoms before.
Physical Examination: The doctor performs a physical examination of the patient. This is done to look for signs that indicate bleeding or stomach-related symptoms.
Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to evaluate signs of bleeding.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: In this test, an endoscope, which is a flexible tube and camera, is guided through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. During this examination, the doctor can observe the lining of the stomach and intestines and identify the source of bleeding. Minor surgical procedures may also be performed for therapeutic purposes.
Upper Gastrointestinal X-ray (Upper GI X-ray): X-rays are used to create images of the stomach and intestines.
Video Capsule Endoscopy: During this test, the patient views a small video capsule that is swallowed as it moves through the stomach and intestines. This method can be used to examine the lining of the stomach and intestines in more detail.
How is Stomach Bleeding Treated?
Treatment of gastric bleeding can vary depending on the cause and severity of the bleeding and the patient's general health. Treatment of gastric bleeding involves controlling the bleeding and treating the cause. Here are the treatment methods for stomach bleeding:
Endoscopic Interventions (Endoscopy): Endoscopic interventions are commonly used to determine the cause of stomach bleeding and to control the bleeding. During this procedure, an endoscope - a thin tube and camera - is guided through the mouth or nose into the stomach and intestines. With the endoscope, the doctor can identify the source of bleeding and stop it if necessary. Ulcers or other problems may also be treated during this procedure.
Medicines: Medicines may be used to stop bleeding and reduce stomach acid production.
Blood transfusion: A blood transfusion may be needed to compensate for blood loss. If there is severe blood loss, the patient may receive red blood cell or platelet transfusions.
Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required for gastric bleeding that cannot be controlled by endoscopic methods or medications or is associated with a serious underlying cause. This aims to completely remove the source of bleeding.
Treatment of the Underlying Cause: Treatment of the underlying root cause of gastric bleeding is very important. For example, if the ulcers are caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, antibiotic treatment may be administered. For more serious conditions such as stomach cancer, oncologic treatment may be planned.
