Bleeding in the digestive tract is a symptom of digestive
problems rather than a disease itself. Bleeding can occur as
the result of a number of
different conditions, many of which are not life threatening.
Most causes of bleeding are related to conditions that can be
cured or controlled, such
as hemorrhoids. The cause of bleeding may not be serious, but
locating the source of bleeding is important.
The digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine or colon, rectum, and anus. Bleeding can come from one or more of these areas, that is, from a small area such as an ulcer on the lining of the stomach or from a large surface such as an inflammation of the colon. Bleeding can sometimes occur without the person noticing it. This type of bleeding is called occult or hidden. Fortunately, simple tests can detect occult blood in the stool.
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The information contained in these pages
is for educational / reference use only.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health
Graphics:
National Institutes of Health
