About Lower GI Bleeding

Lower GI bleeding sends thousands of people to the emergency room each year. Any bleeding that occurs along the anus, rectum, bowels, large intestine and small intestine is referred to as lower GI bleeding. Otherwise referred to as a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, the bleeding is often an indicator of another GI condition. From light bleeding to a heavy blood flow, it is crucial that you have a specialist from miVIP check your GI bleeding in order to prevent any further issues.

Causes of Lower GI Bleeding

While some conditions that cause lower GI bleeding can be extremely serious, others are not harmful. Some of the most common causes of lower GI bleeding include:

• Intestinal Polyps: A clump of abnormal cells that form along the lining of the colon.
• Gastrointestinal Cancer: This type of cancer can be caused or aggravated by untreated conditions of the GI system.
• Anal Fissure: A painful tear in the anal tissue.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus.
• Diverticulosis: Small sacs in the intestinal lining become infected or inflamed.
• Ulcerative Colitis: This type of inflammatory bowel disease directly affects the large intestine.
• Crohn’s Disease: Another type of inflammatory bowel disease that not only affects the intestines but also other areas of the gastrointestinal tract.

Understanding the cause of your GI bleeding will give the physicians the proper tools to develop a treatment plan for your condition.

Common Lower GI Bleeding Symptoms

The first symptom that may present itself in the event of a lower GI bleeding is bloody bowel movements. Other symptoms that may indicate intestinal bleeding includes:

• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pale appearance
• Dark, tar-like stools

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to call miVIP immediately.

Treating Lower GI Bleeding

In order to determine the root cause of the gastrointestinal hemorrhage, the surgeons at miVIP may use a diagnostic procedure known as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows the physician to view the inner lining of the lower GI system. Tissue samples may be gathered during the procedure, and polyps may be removed if needed.

Once the issue has been identified, the physicians can develop a plan of treatment for your specific condition. By treating the underlying issue, your lower gastrointestinal bleeding should cease.

Prognosis

The prognosis of gastrointestinal bleeding depends on the severity of the condition and how much blood has been lost. If the physicians are able to easily identify the cause of the bleeding, the prognosis looks promising. They can often prevent the lower GI bleeding from recurring.

Call miVIP Today!

The reputable surgeons at miVIP are the leading gastrointestinal experts in the field. If you suspect that you have gastrointestinal bleeding, contact our professionals today at 855-496-4847. We can discuss all of your treatment options and help to determine which route of action is best for you.