What causes gastrointestinal bleeding?

Gastrointestinal bleeding, medically termed upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, is usually caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the stomach or duodenum. This condition may be triggered by multiple factors: 1. **Gastric ulcers**: Long-term excessive gastric acid secretion or Helicobacter pylori infection can damage the stomach mucosa, leading to ulcer formation. If an ulcer erodes into a blood vessel, bleeding may occur. 2. **Gastritis**: Including both acute and chronic gastritis, it may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or stress. 3. **Stomach cancer**: Malignant tumors may cause rupture and bleeding of blood vessels. Immediate medical attention is necessary, as massive bleeding can be life-threatening. In daily life, maintaining healthy eating habits, avoiding irritating foods and beverages, and undergoing regular medical checkups can help prevent gastric bleeding.