In the elderly (age ≥65 years), hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer are the most common causes of minor bleeding. Peptic ulcer, diverticular disease, and angiodysplasia are the most common causes of major bleeding. Approximately 35% to 45% of all cases of acute upper GI hemorrhage occur in elderly persons.

What is the most common cause of GI bleeding?

Peptic ulcer. This is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. Stomach acid, either from bacteria or use of anti-inflammatory drugs, damages the lining, leading to formation of sores.

What is the commonest cause of lower GI bleeding in the elderly?

Diverticulosis Coli Diverticular disease is the most common cause of lower GI bleeding, with an incidence ranging from 15-48% of patients with lower GI bleeding, depending upon the series. Diverticular hemorrhage can be severe, with a significant morbidity rate of 10-20%.

What causes sudden GI bleed?

There are many possible causes of GI bleeding, including hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, tears or inflammation in the esophagus, diverticulosis and diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, colonic polyps, or cancer in the colon, stomach or esophagus.

What is the most common cause of lower GI bleeding?

Colonic diverticulosis continues to be the most common cause, accounting for about 30 % of lower GI bleeding cases requiring hospitalization. Internal hemorrhoids are the second-most common cause.

What are the first signs of internal bleeding?

Signs and symptoms of internal bleeding

• weakness, usually on one side of your body.
• numbness, usually on one side of your body.
• tingling, especially in hands and feet.
• severe, sudden headache.
• difficulty swallowing or chewing.
• change in vision or hearing.
• loss of balance, coordination, and eye focus.

Can GI bleeding stop on its own?

Often, GI bleeding stops on its own. If it doesn’t, treatment depends on where the bleed is from. In many cases, medication or a procedure to control the bleeding can be given during some tests.

How serious is internal bleeding in elderly?

Internal bleeding is considered a leading cause of trauma-associated mortality globally. If untreated, severe or chronic hemorrhaging might lead to organ failure, seizures, coma, external bleeding, and eventually death. Even with treatment, severe internal bleeding is often fatal.

What is the difference between upper and lower GI bleed?

Upper GI bleeding: The upper GI tract includes the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Lower GI bleeding: The lower GI tract includes much of the small intestine, large intestine or bowels, rectum, and anus.

What medications can cause stomach bleeding?

Drugs that can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and ibuprofen, platelet inhibitors such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), clopidogrel and prasugrel, as well as anticoagulants like vitamin-K antagonists, heparin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOAKs).

How long does it take to recover from GI bleed?

Even in the presence of a low Hb level at discharge, an acceptable outcome is expected after endoscopic hemostasis for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Recovery of the Hb level after discharge is complete within 45 days.

What are complications of a GI bleed?

Complications of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headaches, shortness of breath, and lack of mental clarity. Hypovolemia — In cases of severe blood loss due to an acute GI bleed, a person’s heart may have difficulty pumping enough blood throughout the body.

What factors increase risk for GI bleed?

Risk factors that may lead to GI bleeding include:

• Chronic vomiting.
• Alcoholism.
• Medications, including but not limited to. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs); commonly used NSAIDs include. Aspirin. Ibuprofen (Advil) Naproxen (Aleve) Anticoagulants.
• Gastrointestinal surgery.

Is a lower GI bleed serious?

Lower GI bleeds are often less serious than upper GI bleeds, with only 4% of people hospitalized with the condition dying. Often, these deaths are related to other conditions rather than the bleed itself. More than 80% of lower GI bleeding events resolve on their own, but this can depend on the cause.

Which of the following is the most common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in adults older than 70 years of age?

In the elderly (age ≥65 years), hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer are the most common causes of minor bleeding. Peptic ulcer, diverticular disease, and angiodysplasia are the most common causes of major bleeding. Approximately 35% to 45% of all cases of acute upper GI hemorrhage occur in elderly persons.