These symptoms are gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening in severe cases

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to a condition in which the mucosa of the digestive tract is damaged due to various reasons, causing blood to flow into the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding vary depending on the individual and the location of the bleeding, but usually include the following:

1. Black stool: One of the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding is black stool, also known as “tarry stool.” This is because after gastrointestinal bleeding, the blood is digested and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, forming black stool. Melena is usually thick, foul-smelling, and ranges in color from dark black to tar-like.

2. Hematemesis: When bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, blood may be discharged through the mouth, manifesting as hematemesis. Vomited blood may be bright red, dark red, or look like coffee grounds. The amount of blood vomited depends on the location and speed of bleeding.

3. Abdominal pain: Gastrointestinal bleeding may cause patients to experience abdominal pain, especially upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Abdominal pain may appear as persistent or paroxysmal pain, mostly in the upper abdomen.

4. Dizziness and fatigue: Gastrointestinal bleeding may cause patients to experience anemia symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitation, etc. This is because a large amount of blood loss leads to a reduction in blood volume, which affects the oxygen supply to organs throughout the body.

5. Shock: In severe cases, massive gastrointestinal bleeding may lead to shock. Shock manifests as decreased blood pressure, weak pulse, pale skin, and cold sweats. This is because massive blood loss leads to a sharp reduction in circulating blood volume, affecting the oxygen supply to organs throughout the body.

6. Other symptoms: Gastrointestinal bleeding may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and other symptoms. These symptoms may be related to the location and cause of the bleeding.

There are many causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, including gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, gastric cancer, colon cancer, etc. In order to diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, patients need to undergo a series of examinations, such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT scan, etc. Treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding depends on the location and cause of the bleeding and may include medication, endoscopic treatment, surgery, etc.

In short, gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious condition that requires prompt medical diagnosis and treatment. When patients experience the above symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying the condition. At the same time, maintaining good living habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, eating regularly, and avoiding overwork, can help prevent the occurrence of digestive tract diseases.