What To Know About Gastrointestinal Bleeding

If you notice blood in your stool or you feel fatigued, don’t ignore it. These are common signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. Your gastroenterologist can help. The gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology offer comprehensive gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of heartburn. They have three convenient office locations in San Diego, CA, to help you.

What You Need To Know About Gastrointestinal Bleeding

A wide variety of conditions can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Having hemorrhoids can lead to rectal bleeding. An ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to blood in your stool. Gastrointestinal bleeding may also be a sign of colorectal cancer. You should seek out the expertise of a gastroenterologist if you:

• Notice dark stools
• Feel fatigued most of the time
• Experience nausea and vomiting
• Develop abdominal swelling and pain
• Have unexplained weight loss
• Experience chronic constipation or diarrhea

A gastroenterologist will perform diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnostic procedures often include:

• A colonoscopy to examine your lower digestive system
• An endoscopy to examine your upper digestive system
• Laboratory testing to check for an underlying medical condition

These are some of the most common treatments for gastrointestinal bleeding your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• If you have hemorrhoids, your gastroenterologist may recommend hemorrhoid banding, which cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease or ulcers, your gastroenterologist may recommend medication, dietary changes, stress management, and other treatment options
• If you have colon or colorectal cancer, your gastroenterologist may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments

Want To Know More About Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, call the gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology in San Diego, CA. You can reach them by calling (619) 291-6064. Call today.