How to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
Updated on September 15, 2024
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After gastrointestinal bleeding, the patient should be kept in a recumbent position to rest and ensure that the airway is clear to avoid aspiration of blood due to vomiting. Close monitoring of the patient's vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, is necessary. It is important to actively replenish blood volume, correct hypovolemic shock, and administer medications for hemostasis. Endoscopic hemostasis with a gastroscope can also be used. If conservative drug treatment is not effective, surgical treatment may be considered. Emergency treatment is essential after gastrointestinal bleeding, as delays can be life-threatening.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What to eat when there is upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively common in clinical practice. Its main causes include bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers, rupture of esophagogastric varices, and bleeding caused by gastric cancer, among others. When upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. After systematic treatment, if the symptoms of bleeding are controlled, the patient can then consume small amounts of clear broth and thin porridge, and gradually transition back to a normal diet. However, the patient should avoid spicy and irritating foods to prevent the recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting blood suggests how much bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding presenting as hematemesis indicates a bleeding volume of at least 200 mL. If a patient experiences upper gastrointestinal bleeding accompanied by vomiting blood, it suggests a significant amount of bleeding and should be taken very seriously. Patients should seek treatment at a specialized gastrointestinal department of a reputable hospital and have an endoscopic examination as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, endoscopic hemostasis can be performed. After the occurrence of hematemesis due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended to be hospitalized for treatment. Treatment should also include the use of hemostatic drugs, acid-suppressing medications, and drugs that protect the gastric mucosa. Acid suppression medications can include proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists, among others.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What causes upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

The most common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The first is hemorrhage due to peptic ulcers. The second is bleeding from ruptured esophageal and gastric varices. The third is acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis. The fourth is bleeding caused by gastric cancer. The fifth is bleeding caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome. After the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly, undergo treatments like hemostasis and blood transfusion in the hospital, and actively manage the symptoms. If necessary, a gastroscopy can be performed for endoscopic hemostasis. If not treated actively, emaciated individuals' lives may be at risk, so caution is necessary.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Which department should I go to for upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

The upper gastrointestinal system primarily refers to bleeding from the digestive system above the Treitz ligament. Therefore, if there is acute massive bleeding in the digestive tract, patients may present with symptoms such as vomiting blood and black stools. If the bleeding is significant and blood volume rapidly decreases, it can cause acute peripheral circulatory disorders, and may even be life-threatening. The causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include long-standing conditions like peptic ulcers, rupture of esophagogastric varices, acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis, and stomach cancer, among others. If upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, patients should actively seek medical attention at major hospitals' gastroenterology departments, undergo relevant examinations, and receive prompt treatment.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage rescue process

First, it is important to address the most life-threatening situations by promptly clearing the airway to prevent blood clots from gastrointestinal bleeding from blocking the bronchi, which can cause choking or asphyxiation. Additionally, it is crucial to timely replenish blood volume, as significant blood loss can directly lead to shock. While combating shock, actively identify the cause of the bleeding. Use a gastroscope for examination, and blood can be stopped under gastroscopy. If it cannot be stopped under gastroscopy, an emergency laparotomy should be performed to carry out a major gastrectomy. Postoperatively, intensive care should be strengthened, actively identifying the cause of gastric bleeding, providing symptomatic treatment, and maintaining regular dietary habits, with meals being on schedule and in fixed amounts.