Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Alternate Names : GI Bleeding, Bleeding in the Gut, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Avoidance of alcohol, aspirin, and NSAIDs can prevent cases due to these causes. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Heavy, rapid bleeding can result in shock or death. Most long-term effects are related to the cause of GI bleeding. For example, hemorrhoids may be painful, but rarely cause serious long-term effects. Cancer can cause death.

What are the risks to others?

GI bleeding is not contagious. In cases due to infections, the infection is sometimes contagious.