Early Signs of Gastric Bleeding

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Early warning signs of gastric bleeding may include nausea, gastric discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and sweating. Stools may also become darker in color or appear tarry (melena). Closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure and perform serial complete blood counts to assess for progressive hemoglobin decline. Additionally, examine stool routine tests to determine whether fecal occult blood is positive.

Gastric disorders are common conditions encountered in modern daily life, often resulting from improper dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyle practices. So, what are the early warning signs of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding?

Early Warning Signs of Gastric Bleeding

Early signs of gastric bleeding may include nausea, epigastric discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and diaphoresis. Stool color may darken or become tarry (melena). Close monitoring of blood pressure is essential, along with serial complete blood count (CBC) tests to assess whether hemoglobin levels are progressively declining. Fecal routine examination should also be performed to determine whether occult blood is present (i.e., fecal occult blood test [FOBT] positivity). Once GI bleeding is confirmed, endoscopic evaluation should be performed as soon as feasible—provided the patient’s clinical condition permits—to establish the precise etiology. Following diagnosis, endoscopic hemostasis can be performed, including application of titanium clips, electrocoagulation, or local topical administration of hemostatic agents. Note: During the acute bleeding phase, short-term fasting—including both food and oral fluids—is required. After bleeding has ceased for at least 48 hours, a gradual transition from clear liquid diet to regular diet may begin, strictly under physician guidance.

Following the onset of gastritis, failure to pursue timely and appropriate treatment—or continued consumption of spicy, irritating foods—may precipitate gastric bleeding. Preventive measures are therefore critical. To avoid both gastritis and gastric bleeding, individuals should refrain from consuming acidic fruits, caffeinated beverages, and other irritants. Specifically, patients with gastritis must avoid chili peppers, mustard, horseradish, alcoholic beverages, and coffee, as these substances strongly irritate the gastric mucosa and stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion. Likewise, foods such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), nian gao (glutinous rice cake), barbecued items, and fried rice are difficult to digest and may exacerbate gastric discomfort, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.

Patients exhibiting symptoms suggestive of gastric bleeding should seek prompt medical attention to prevent disease progression. We hope this information proves helpful.

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