The presence of blood in vomiting or stool can be a serious issue and may indicate a harmful underlying medical condition. It’s essential to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider to determine the cause and take appropriate treatment.
Symptoms and Signs
One may observe various signs and symptoms of blood in the Vomit and Stool
Hematemesis: One may observe vomiting blood, which may have a bright red or a coffee-ground appearance.
Hematochezia: Bright red blood can be observed in the stool, which usually indicates bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Melena: Black, tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Additional Symptoms: Abdominal pain, dizziness, weakness, paleness, and shortness of breath can be observed.
Causes and Risk Factors
Blood in vomit or stool can be caused by various conditions, which include:
Peptic Ulcers: These are open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Gastritis: It refers to inflammation of the stomach lining.
Esophageal Varices: These are swollen veins in the esophagus, which are often related to liver disease.
Diverticulosis: Small bulging pouches in the digestive tract that can bleed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): It includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Gastrointestinal Cancers: These are stomach, esophageal, or colorectal cancer.
Haemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus.
Diagnosis
At Tricity Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic techniques to determine the cause of bleeding:
Endoscopy: It inspects the upper digestive tract.
Colonoscopy: This examines the lower digestive tract.
Imaging Tests: These tests include CT scans or MRI for detailed images.
Blood Tests: We take blood samples and check for anaemia and other related conditions.
Stool Tests: To detect hidden blood and other abnormalities.
Treatment Options
Our specialist offers several treatment plans after doing a complete diagnosis. These treatments may include:
Medications: We provide medications to treat conditions like ulcers, gastritis, or IBD.
Endoscopic Procedures: It is used to control bleeding, such as banding varices or cauterising bleeding ulcers.
Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments are not effective, surgery may be required.
Lifestyle Modifications: Our specialist prescribes Dietary changes, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption based on your condition.