What are the symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Disease description:
My husband has experienced hematemesis, but we are unsure if this is a symptom of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Could you please explain to us what symptoms are associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding presents with symptoms such as hematemesis, melena, peripheral circulatory failure, anemia, and fever.
1. Hematemesis: If the bleeding volume is large and the bleeding rate is fast, blood may be vomited out before being adequately mixed with gastric acid, appearing bright red or containing blood clots.
2. Melena: When the bleeding volume is significant, blood mixes with stool and forms melena, typically resembling tarry, sticky, and glossy stools.
3. Peripheral circulatory failure: Acute massive blood loss leads to a rapid decrease in circulating blood volume, causing peripheral circulatory failure. Common symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and possible syncope upon sudden standing.
4. Anemia: Chronic bleeding can lead to the development of anemia. Patients often develop acute hemorrhagic anemia after experiencing acute massive blood loss.
5. Fever: Following a massive upper gastrointestinal bleed, most patients develop low-grade fever within 24 hours. Body temperature generally does not exceed 38.5°C and typically returns to normal within 3–5 days.
When experiencing these symptoms, patients should seek timely medical attention and receive professional treatment.
