Common Signs of GI Bleeding (When to Seek Help)

Seeing blood in your stool or vomit can be alarming, but it’s important to know that gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a symptom, not a diagnosis. While it can sometimes result from a minor issue, GI bleeding can also signal a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical care. Remember, blood in your stool or vomit is never normal, so please seek out medical attention urgently.

Understanding GI Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding defined

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs anywhere along the digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach to the small intestine, colon, or rectum. It may appear as visible as red blood in stool or vomit, black digested blood in stool(melena) or vomit (coffee ground emesis) or only be detected through medical testing if the bleeding is internal or microscopic.

GI bleeding is classified as either:

• Upper GI bleeding: originating in the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine
• Lower GI bleeding: occurring in the lower small intestine, colon, rectum, or anus

Recognizing the difference can help your doctor determine the most likely cause and guide appropriate testing.

Common Signs and Symptoms of GI Bleeding

The signs of GI bleeding vary depending on the site of bleeding and its severity. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Black, tarry stools (melena) are typically a sign of upper GI bleeding, caused by digested blood
• Bright red blood in stool often points to bleeding in the colon, rectum, or anus
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
• Fatigue, weakness, or dizziness, often due to blood loss or anemia

Any of these symptoms warrants medical evaluation. Even mild or intermittent bleeding can signal an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Possible Causes of GI Bleeding

There are many potential causes of GI bleeding, ranging from minor irritation to chronic gastrointestinal disease. Common causes include:

• Peptic ulcers (ulcers in stomach or small bowel)
• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Diverticulitis
• Esophageal varices
• Hemorrhoids or anal fissures
•  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Colon polyps or colorectal cancer

How a Gastroenterologist Diagnoses GI Bleeding

Endoscopy and colonoscopy

These procedures allow direct visualization of the digestive tract to locate and, in many cases, treat the source of bleeding.

• Endoscopy is used to examine the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum).
• Colonoscopy is used to evaluate the colon and rectum for causes such as ulcers, inflammation, or polyps.

Both procedures are performed under sedation and are safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective at diagnosing and treating bleeding. Other diagnostic options, such as video capsule endoscopy or imaging studies, may be used to detect hard-to-see sources of bleeding.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

If you notice blood in your stool, experience unexplained fatigue, or have symptoms of GI bleeding, don’t wait to seek care. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

At NYGA, our gastroenterologists provide advanced diagnostic testing, including endoscopy, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy, to find the cause of GI bleeding and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

 

Don’t wait—prioritize your health today.