Can you drink milk if you have upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on November 26, 2024

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Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding are advised not to drink milk. Although milk can dilute gastric acid, it can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, exacerbating symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In severe cases, it can lead to a recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid drinking milk during the acute phase. After the onset of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a formal hospital as soon as possible, and complete auxiliary examinations such as an electronic gastroscopy to clarify the diagnosis. Additionally, treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be carried out through relevant endoscopic therapies. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should consume easily digestible foods in their diet.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 26sec

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Clinical manifestations of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding typically present with vomiting blood or bleeding from the stool. Of course, if the bleeding amount is small, there may be no other discomfort. However, if the bleeding is significant, symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, and palpitations related to low blood volume. Some patients might also experience abdominal discomfort, such as abdominal pain, bloating, or even indigestion. For those suspected of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is advisable to further complete blood tests, stool analysis, and electrocardiograms. It is necessary to promptly carry out a gastroscopy when needed to clarify the cause of the bleeding, and consider if it is due to ulcers or vascular malformations. In the early stages of treatment, symptomatic management should be prioritized, and patients are advised to actively rehydrate to improve symptoms of low blood volume and to transfuse red blood cells if necessary to correct anemia. Once the cause is identified, causative treatment should be added, such as the use of acid-suppressing and gastric-protecting drugs for bleeding associated with peptic ulcers. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 20sec

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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding generally refers to bleeding caused by esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions, which clinically manifests most commonly as vomiting blood and blood in stools. Of course, some patients may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and chest tightness. Common causes to be aware of include inflammation, ulcers, tumors, and vascular malformations, especially gastric and duodenal ulcers which are relatively common in clinical settings. The fastest diagnosis mainly relies on gastroscopy, thus it is recommended that patients who suspect upper gastrointestinal bleeding should undergo a gastroscopy as soon as their condition stabilizes to determine the specific cause of the bleeding, such as digestive tract ulcers or even tumors. For treatment, conservative medical management is initially advised, focusing on aggressive fluid replenishment, acid suppression for gastric protection, and blood volume supplementation. Once the gastroscopy provides a clear diagnosis, the treatment plan should be promptly adjusted.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 18sec

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Why is there black stool with upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to the condition where blood cells turn black after being decomposed by intestinal bacteria, thus clinically presenting as black stools. Therefore, with a small amount of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it may simply present as black stools. Of course, with a larger amount of bleeding, it can manifest as vomiting blood or bloody stools, and severe cases may accompany symptoms of low blood flow, such as dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, etc. For patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended that they visit the gastroenterology department of a local hospital to undergo further examinations including complete blood count, stool tests, and gastroscopy. Gastroscopy can help identify the location and nature of the bleeding, whether it might be peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal tumors, etc. For treatment, medications that regulate acid and protect the stomach or those that stop bleeding and replenish fluids can be considered symptomatically. Of course, if the black stools are suspected to be caused by a tumor, surgical intervention is generally required.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 19sec

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What is good to eat for upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

In the acute phase of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended that the patient does not consume food and the bleeding situation is observed. Once the condition stabilizes, a liquid diet can be initiated, which may include water, soups, and porridge. Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, vascular malformations, inflammation, and more. Treatment varies depending on the cause; for gastric and duodenal ulcers, medication is generally an option. If the bleeding is due to vascular malformations or tumors, endoscopic treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively common clinically, typically presenting with symptoms of vomiting blood and bloody stools. Significant bleeding can also lead to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and chest tightness due to low blood volume. Diagnostic procedures mainly include complete blood count, stool tests, electrocardiograms, and crucially, gastroscopy, which is essential for identifying the specific cause of the bleeding.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

1min 9sec

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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.