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Causes of Bleeding in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Overview

Causes of bleeding in the stomach and intestines (digestive or gastrointestinal tract) include:

  • Esophagitis. This is irritation or inflammation of the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach).
  • Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples are aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can irritate the stomach lining and cause an ulcer, such as a peptic ulcer.
  • Infections, such as from parasites or from the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
  • Inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Colon polyps or colorectal cancer, especially in older adults. It is important to find and treat these as early as possible. Without treatment, they may be life-threatening.
  • Frequently occurring hemorrhoids. People with hemorrhoids often don't seek treatment right away. They can have chronic bleeding as a result.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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