The Condition"...The next step may include tests such as different types of X-rays and/or endoscopy, depending on whether the doctor suspects that the bleeding is coming from the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and first segment of the small intestine) or lower digestive tract..."
Our Question about black or tarry stools"Black, tarry stools usually result from bleeding that occurs high up in the digestive tract - for example, in the stomach or first segment of the small intestine ( duodenum); blood in the stomach turns black when exposed to stomach acid and enzymes..."
The Condition"...Once it has been established that bleeding has occurred or is occurring, the first step is to rule out hemorrhoids, rectal tears (fissures), and tumors by performing a rectal examination..."
The Condition"...Aside from those mentioned below, symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding also include vomiting blood (hematemesis)..." Recommendation Occult Blood Tests"If gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected due to other symptoms, but no blood is visible in the stool, a doctor may decide to test for occult (hidden) blood..." Recommendation against Anticoagulant / Blood Thinner"Drugs that reduce the blood's tendency to clot (anticoagulants) or that dissolve clots once they have formed (thrombolytics or tissue plasminogen activator) can cause gastrointestinal bleeding..."
Recommendation against Aspirin"Certain drugs, such as aspirin and many other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), can irritate the digestive tract and cause bleeding..."
Gastrointestinal bleeding or gastrointestinal hemorrhage describes every form of hemorrhage (loss of blood) in the gastrointestinal tract, from the pharynx to the rectum. It has diverse causes, and a medical history, as well as physical examination, generally distinguishes between the main forms. The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, life-threatening bleeding.