Will melena from upper gastrointestinal bleeding heal by itself?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 14, 2025
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Generally speaking, after the occurrence of black stool due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is quite difficult to cure and requires active treatment measures. For example, it is necessary to perform thorough gastroscopy and under gastroscopy, endoscopic treatment can be conducted. It is also advisable to consider oral medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. Medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole. Alternatively, H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine and famotidine can be selected. In terms of efficacy, proton pump inhibitors are generally more effective and better than H2 receptor antagonists, with fewer side effects.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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The cause of vomiting coffee-colored substances due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding results in the vomiting of coffee-colored blood because the combination of fresh blood with stomach acid forms a coffee-colored liquid. If the bleeding volume exceeds 200mL in a short period, coffee-colored vomit may occur. It is necessary to seek prompt medical attention at a regular hospital’s gastroenterology or emergency department. Adequate diagnosis with an electronic gastroscopy is essential to identify the source and location of the bleeding, and active endoscopic treatment should be undertaken. Additionally, it is crucial to actively replenish fluids, correct the loss of body water, and restore blood volume. Treatment should also include the use of proton pump inhibitors and gastric mucosal protectants.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
1min 9sec home-news-image

Is upper gastrointestinal bleeding dangerous?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is life-threatening if the amount and speed of bleeding are substantial. Therefore, proactive and effective measures should be taken to rescue the patient. Generally, after anti-shock treatment and rapid blood volume replenishment, the patient's life can be saved. The main clinical treatment measures include the following: First, keep the patient in a recumbent position at rest, ensure that the airway is clear, and prevent blood aspiration due to vomiting. Second, during the bleeding period, it is necessary to enforce fasting, closely monitor the patient's vital signs, such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, consciousness, etc. Third, after hospitalization, it is crucial to actively replenish blood volume, such as transfusing compatible red blood cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate, etc., for fluid expansion. Drugs like proton pump inhibitors and octreotide can be used for hemostasis. If conditions permit, a gastroscopy can be performed to stop the bleeding, and surgical treatment may be considered if necessary.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does upper gastrointestinal bleeding always result in black stools and vomiting blood?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding does not necessarily result in black stools or vomiting of blood. If the bleeding is very minor, such as less than 5ml, there will be no black stools or vomiting blood, and the bleeding can only be detected through a fecal occult blood test which shows a positive result. If the bleeding amounts to about 50ml, vomiting blood may not occur, but black stools can be present. If the bleeding reaches about 200ml and occurs rapidly, both vomiting of blood and black stools may occur simultaneously. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common and critical condition in gastroenterology that requires standardized treatment measures. The first step is to conduct a thorough gastroscopic examination, followed by measures to suppress gastric acid production and protect the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Black stool is bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Black stools are generally caused by upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which can stem from several reasons: The first one is peptic ulcer, including stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers; The second is bleeding caused by varices rupturing in the esophagus or stomach due to liver cirrhosis; The third is acute gastric mucosal injury, for example, gastric bleeding caused by orally taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; The fourth is gastric hemorrhage caused by gastric cancer. No matter what causes the upper gastrointestinal bleeding, one should promptly visit a hospital, undergo a gastroscopy to determine the cause, and receive timely rescue and treatment. Moreover, during the treatment period, one cannot eat while experiencing gastric bleeding, and must fast until the bleeding stops, after which a liquid diet can be introduced, followed by a transition to a semi-liquid diet.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can upper gastrointestinal bleeding be cured?

Gastrointestinal bleeding, especially lower gastrointestinal bleeding, is a common and urgent condition in gastroenterology. It is relatively common clinically, and generally has good treatment outcomes. However, due to different causes, the treatment efficacy and methods may vary. For upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by different reasons, the prognosis also varies. For example, upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by gastric ulcers generally responds well to medical treatment and usually can be cured. However, if considering upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by gastric tumors, particularly gastric cancer common among the general population, the treatment outcome may not be as favorable. Besides surgery and chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate is relatively higher, but for advanced-stage gastric tumors, the treatment efficacy is generally poorer and the prognosis is relatively worse.