Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When blood shows up in vomit or stool, it’s not normal — it’s a signal. Gastrointestinal bleeding, the loss of blood from the digestive tract. Also known as GI hemorrhage, it can be slow and hidden or sudden and life-threatening. This isn’t just a symptom — it’s a red flag that something deeper is wrong in your stomach, intestines, or esophagus.

Common causes include peptic ulcers, open sores in the stomach or upper intestine, often triggered by long-term use of NSAIDs, painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen. These drugs weaken the stomach lining over time, making it easier for acid to cause damage. Alcohol, smoking, and H. pylori infection also chip away at protection. In older adults, even a single daily aspirin can trigger bleeding. And while colon cancer is less common, it’s a real concern when bleeding comes from the lower tract — especially if it’s new, persistent, or paired with weight loss.

What makes gastrointestinal bleeding tricky is how silent it can be. You might feel fine until you’re dizzy, weak, or see dark, tarry stools. Or you might vomit bright red blood — a clear emergency. Doctors don’t just guess; they use endoscopies, blood tests, and imaging to find the source. The good news? Most cases stop on their own or respond quickly to treatment. But ignoring it? That’s where the danger grows.

Some of the posts below dig into how medications — even common ones — can quietly lead to GI damage. Others show how age, lifestyle, and other conditions like kidney disease or liver cirrhosis raise the risk. You’ll find real stories and clear facts on what to watch for, what to avoid, and when to act fast. This isn’t about scare tactics — it’s about knowing the signs before it’s too late.