Common Causes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding primarily refers to bleeding that occurs in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This type of bleeding can be caused by various medical conditions, and understanding the underlying causes is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Below are the most common causes of upper GI bleeding:

Peptic Ulcers

One of the most frequent causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is peptic ulcer disease, which includes both gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. These types of ulcers are more commonly seen in younger individuals. Patients often experience pain, such as hunger pains or nighttime discomfort in the case of duodenal ulcers, while gastric ulcers typically cause pain after eating. In many cases, acid-suppressing medications can provide relief and promote healing.

Esophageal and Gastric Varices Due to Liver Cirrhosis

Patients with liver cirrhosis may develop enlarged veins in the esophagus and stomach lining known as varices. When these veins rupture, they can cause severe and life-threatening bleeding, often presenting as vomiting blood. This type of bleeding requires immediate medical attention and is considered a medical emergency.

Mallory-Weiss Tear

Another relatively common cause of upper GI bleeding is a Mallory-Weiss tear, which occurs after severe or prolonged vomiting. This condition is often seen in individuals experiencing intense nausea, such as pregnant women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. The tear typically occurs at the junction of the esophagus and stomach and can result in minor to moderate bleeding.

Acute Gastric Mucosal Lesions

Acute gastric mucosal lesions can develop under conditions of severe physiological stress. For example, patients who experience a sudden cardiac event like a heart attack may develop gastrointestinal bleeding. Emotional stress, such as grief from the loss of a loved one, can also trigger this condition. The most common symptom associated with acute gastric mucosal lesions is black, tarry stools, known as melena.

Dieulafoy's Lesion

Understanding This Rare Condition

Although relatively rare, Dieulafoy's lesion is a condition more commonly found in younger individuals. Also known as calibre persistent artery of the stomach, this syndrome involves a small artery in the stomach that fails to narrow properly. The surrounding mucosa becomes eroded and ulcerated, which can lead to sudden and severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to the potentially life-threatening nature of this condition.