The digestive or gastrointestinal tract goes from the mouth to the anus. It is often called the GI tract.
Bleeding can happen anywhere in the GI tract. It may be caused by an ulcer, an infection, or cancer. It may also be caused by medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Light bleeding may not cause any symptoms at first. But if you continue to bleed for a while, you may feel very weak or tired.
Sudden, heavy bleeding means you need to see a doctor right away. This kind of bleeding can be very dangerous. But it can usually be cured or controlled. The doctor may do some tests to find the cause of your bleeding.
Many things can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines (digestive tract). For example, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on a regular basis can irritate the stomach lining and cause an ulcer. Colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause bleeding.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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