Common Causes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can result from various conditions, with the most common causes broadly categorized into two groups: variceal and non-variceal bleeding. Variceal bleeding typically occurs due to liver cirrhosis leading to portal hypertension, which causes enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach that are prone to rupture and bleed heavily.

Non-Variceal Causes of Bleeding

Non-variceal causes are more common and include peptic ulcer disease, which is the leading cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Peptic ulcers can develop in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, often due to Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Other Non-Variceal Conditions

Acute gastric mucosal lesions, such as those seen in stress-related mucosal damage, can also lead to bleeding. Inflammation of the esophagus, known as esophagitis, may cause erosions or ulcers that bleed. Additionally, vascular malformations like arteriovenous malformations in the gastrointestinal tract can be a source of bleeding.

Bleeding Caused by Tumors

Both benign and malignant tumors can contribute to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Malignant tumors such as gastric cancer are a serious cause of bleeding and require prompt diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, benign tumors like gastric leiomyomas can also lead to bleeding, although they are less common.

Understanding the different causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is essential for timely diagnosis and appropriate management. If symptoms such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.