What is Haematemesis?
Haematemesis refers to the condition of vomiting blood, which is a serious symptom indicating upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The blood may appear bright red or resemble coffee grounds due to partial digestion by stomach acids.
Causes of Haematemesis:
- Peptic Ulcers: Open sores in the stomach or duodenum that bleed.
- Esophageal Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus caused by liver cirrhosis.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining due to H. pylori infection, NSAID use, or alcohol consumption.
- Mallory-Weiss Tear: A tear in the esophagus due to severe vomiting.
- Cancer or Tumors: Stomach or esophageal cancers can cause internal bleeding.
Haematemesis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as excessive blood loss can be life-threatening.
What is Bleeding Per Rectum?
Bleeding per rectum refers to blood in stool or rectal bleeding, which can range from bright red streaks to dark-colored stools (melena). It indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding and may be caused by:
Common Causes:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or anus that cause painless bleeding.
- Anal Fissures: Small tears in the anal lining, often causing pain and bleeding.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Colorectal Cancer or Polyps: Tumors in the colon or rectum that may bleed.
- Diverticular Disease: Small pouches in the colon that can become inflamed or bleed.
If you notice persistent rectal bleeding, seek medical consultation immediately to rule out serious conditions.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnostic Tests:
- Endoscopic Biopsy: A procedure where a small tissue sample is taken from the GI tract to identify infections, ulcers, or cancer.
- Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy: To examine the digestive tract and identify bleeding sources.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans and MRI scans help assess internal bleeding.
Treatment Options:
- Piles Injection: A minimally invasive procedure to shrink hemorrhoids and stop bleeding.
- Esophageal and CBD Stenting: Used for severe esophageal varices or bile duct blockages.
- Strictures Dilation: Expands narrowed parts of the GI tract to improve food passage and prevent further complications.
- Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics (for infections), and anti-inflammatory drugs.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- Vomiting blood (red or coffee-ground-like)
- Black, tarry stools or heavy rectal bleeding
- Sudden dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure
- Severe abdominal pain or bloating
Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications. Dr. Saumyaleen Roy specializes in gastroenterology and liver care, offering expert evaluation and treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding conditions.
Book an appointment today for a thorough assessment and personalized care.
