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Contents
  • Peptic Ulcers: A Common Culprit
  • Esophagitis: When Your Esophagus Is Inflamed
  • Varices: The Hidden Risk

What's Causing Your Upper GI Bleed?

What's Causing Your Upper GI Bleed?

The Big Picture

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a serious condition that can cause a lot of health problems. This article explores the common causes of UGIB and what you should know about them.
Contents
  • Peptic Ulcers: A Common Culprit
  • Esophagitis: When Your Esophagus Is Inflamed
  • Varices: The Hidden Risk

Peptic Ulcers: A Common Culprit

One of the most common causes of UGIB is peptic ulcers, which are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers can bleed, leading to symptoms like vomiting blood or passing black stools. They are often caused by infections such as Helicobacter pylori or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stress and excess stomach acid can also contribute to the development of these ulcers.

Esophagitis: When Your Esophagus Is Inflamed

Esophagitis is another frequent cause of UGIB and occurs when the esophagus becomes inflamed. This condition is often linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. Medications and infections can also trigger esophagitis. Those suffering from this condition may experience symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and, in severe cases, bleeding.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a serious condition characterized by bleeding in the upper digestive tract, commonly caused by peptic ulcers and esophagitis.

Varices: The Hidden Risk

Varices are enlarged veins that can develop in the esophagus or stomach, often due to liver disease and portal hypertension. These veins can rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening bleeding. The risk of bleeding increases with the severity of liver disease. Treatment often involves procedures to reduce portal pressure or directly address the bleeding veins.

FAQs

What is UGIB?

UGIB stands for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a condition where bleeding occurs in the upper parts of the digestive system.

What causes peptic ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are often caused by H. pylori infection, NSAID use, stress, and excess stomach acid.

How is esophagitis treated?

Esophagitis is usually treated with acid suppression medications and addressing lifestyle factors like diet.

Can varices be prevented?

Varices are often related to liver disease, so managing liver health can help reduce the risk.

Wrapping Up

Understanding the causes of UGIB can help you take preventive measures and seek timely treatment.
Curious about UGIB? Talk with Doctronic to find out more about its causes and treatments.
Additional References
  1. Wuerth BA, Rockey DC. Changing Epidemiology of Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in the Last Decade: A Nationwide Analysis. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:1286.
  2. Longstreth GF. Epidemiology of hospitalization for acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a population-based study. Am J Gastroenterol 1995; 90:206.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.