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Contents
  • Age and Diverticulosis
  • Medication and Lifestyle Factors
  • Other Medical Conditions

Are You at Risk for Lower GI Bleeding? Find Out Now!

Are You at Risk for Lower GI Bleeding? Find Out Now!

Why It Matters

Recognizing risk factors for lower gastrointestinal bleeding can help in prevention and timely intervention. This article outlines key risk factors you should be aware of.
Contents
  • Age and Diverticulosis
  • Medication and Lifestyle Factors
  • Other Medical Conditions

Age and Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis, a common source of LGIB, is largely age-dependent. By age 60, 60% of individuals may have diverticula, increasing their risk of bleeding. Awareness of this risk among older adults can lead to early screening and prevention strategies.

Medication and Lifestyle Factors

Aspirin and NSAIDs, commonly used for pain relief, can increase the risk of LGIB by causing local erosive damage. Factors like obesity, hypertension, and physical inactivity also contribute to the risk, making lifestyle modifications important for prevention.
Factors that increase the risk of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, including age, diverticulosis, and the use of certain medications like aspirin and NSAIDs.

Other Medical Conditions

Conditions such as chronic renal insufficiency and ischemic heart disease can heighten the risk of LGIB. These conditions may weaken blood vessels or alter blood flow, making bleeding more likely in affected individuals.

FAQs

What increases LGIB risk?

Age, certain medications, and lifestyle factors increase LGIB risk.

Do NSAIDs affect LGIB risk?

Yes, NSAIDs can increase the risk of LGIB.

Can lifestyle changes reduce LGIB risk?

Yes, healthier lifestyle choices can lower LGIB risk.

Does age affect LGIB risk?

Yes, older age increases the risk of LGIB.

Key Takeaways

Being aware of risk factors can empower you to take preventive actions against LGIB.
Next steps: discuss your risk factors with Doctronic to explore preventive measures.
Additional References
  1. Strate LL, Orav EJ, Syngal S. Early predictors of severity in acute lower intestinal tract bleeding. Arch Intern Med 2003; 163:838.
  2. Nagata N, Niikura R, Aoki T, et al. Impact of discontinuing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on long-term recurrence in colonic diverticular bleeding. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:1292.
  3. Yamada A, Sugimoto T, Kondo S, et al. Assessment of the risk factors for colonic diverticular hemorrhage. Dis Colon Rectum 2008; 51:116.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.