User:Mr. Ibrahem/Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Symptoms may include vomiting blood, black stool, abdominal pain, and lightheadedness. Complications may include shock and anemia.

Causes include peptic ulcers, gastritis, varices, gastric cancer, Mallory-Weiss tears, and vascular malformations. Risk factors include blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs, Helicobacter pylori, kidney failure, liver disease, and prior bleeding. Diagnosis is often supported by a complete blood cell count (CBC), BUN, and endoscopy.

Intravenous fluid replacement, including blood transfusion, may be required. Proton pump inhibitors are generally given. Endoscopy is recommended within 24 hours in those who are unstable, during which bleeding can be stopped by various techniques. In those with varices, octreotide may be used. Tranexamic acid has not be found to be useful. Other options may include embolization or surgery. In about 15% of people bleeding reoccurs.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding affects around 5 to 15 people per 10,000 a year. It occurs more commonly in older people. It represents over 50% of cases of gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of death is between 2 and 10%.