Gastrointestinal bleeding

The digestive tract refers to the tube from the esophagus to the anus, divided into the upper digestive tract and the lower digestive tract. The upper digestive tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, bile duct, and pancreatic duct, while the lower digestive tract includes the jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, colon, and rectum. Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding in any of these areas. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding typically manifests as hematemesis and melena (stools are often black or tarry, sticky and shiny), while lower gastrointestinal bleeding usually presents as hematochezia (stools can be bright red or dark red), possibly accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain. In cases of massive gastrointestinal bleeding, symptoms related to shock may also occur. There are many causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, mainly including gastrointestinal diseases, mechanical injuries, and systemic hemorrhagic diseases.