Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The presence of bright red blood in stool, known as hematochezia, typically indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract may appear black rather than red, resulting in "coffee ground" vomit or melena. [2] Other signs and symptoms include feeling tired, dizziness, and pale skin color. [18]
Depending on the amount of the blood loss, symptoms may include shock. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by peptic ulcers, gastric erosions, esophageal varices, and rarer causes such as gastric cancer. The initial assessment includes measurement of the blood pressure and heart rate, as well as blood tests to determine the hemoglobin.
Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood. [1] This is usually vomit that contains bright red blood. [2] Coffee ground vomiting is similar to hematemesis, but is distinct in not involving bright red blood. [3] Hematemesis must be differentiated from hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and epistaxis (nosebleed). [4] Both of these are more common conditions.
Melena is a form of blood in stool which refers to the dark black, tarry feces that are commonly associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. [1] The black color and characteristic strong odor are caused by hemoglobin in the blood being altered by digestive enzymes and intestinal bacteria.
A complete blood count as well as an hemoglobin test should be performed when a patient presents symptoms of hematochezia. A colonoscopy may be necessary if there is suspicion of bleed from colon particularly in the elderly to look for the site and many causes of bleed like carcinoma, ulcerative colitis, rectal varices or other lesions and in certain instances upper gastrointestinal endoscopy ...
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically include stomach cramps, diarrhea (which can be bloody), vomiting, and fever. These usually appear within 3-4 days of exposure. Most people recover within a ...
The differential diagnosis can be complicated somewhat if the person exhibits only vomiting or diarrhea (rather than both). [1] Appendicitis may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and a small amount of diarrhea in up to 33% of cases. [1] This is in contrast to the large amount of diarrhea that is typical of gastroenteritis. [1]
Esophagitis, esophageal varices, gastritis, cirrhosis or gastric ulcers for example, may bleed and produce coffee-ground vomitus. When unaccompanied by melena, hematemesis or a fall in hemoglobin with corresponding urea rises and creates an unstable reaction, and other causes of coffee ground vomitus need to be elucidated; for example, gastric stasis, bowel obstruction or ileus, that can cause ...