How do you manage a GI bleed?

Current guidelines recommend a regimen of an intravenous (IV) PPI 80-mg bolus, followed by a continuous infusion of 8 mg/hour for 72 hours. Lau et al demonstrated that high-dose IV omeprazole can accelerate the resolution of the stigmata of recent hemorrhage and reduce the need for endoscopic therapy.

What is first line diagnostic management for upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

In most circumstances, the standard of care for the initial diagnostic evaluation of suspected acute GI bleeding is urgent upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy, as recommended by guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology and the 2010 International Consensus Recommendations[20,27].

When do you use octreotide in GI bleed?

Octreotide is frequently used in the ED for patients with a history of cirrhosis who present with a moderate or severe upper GI bleed presumed to be from a variceal source. Octreotide inhibits the release of glucagon, which is a splanchnic vasodilator.

How do you stop a GI bleed?

To help prevent a GI bleed:

1. Limit your use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Limit your use of alcohol.
3. If you smoke, quit.
4. If you have GERD , follow your doctor’s instructions for treating it.

How do you stop a GI bleed naturally?

There is no home care for heavy gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures may be treated with a diet high in fiber, fluids to keep stools soft may be helpful, and stool softeners if necessary. If they do not heal, they may need to have surgery to remove or fix them.

What do you give for a GI bleed?

medications

• Proton Pump Inhibitor: If upper GI hemorrhage possible, give IV proton pump inhibitor.
• Octreotide: If variceal hemorrhage is possible, give octreotide (50 microgram bolus followed by 50 mcg/hr infusion).
• Antibiotic: Cirrhosis plus GI bleeding equals antibiotics (usually ceftriaxone 1 gram daily).

What to eat to stop intestinal bleeding?

So it’s important to eat foods that have a lot of iron. These include red meat, shellfish, poultry, and eggs. They also include beans, raisins, whole-grain breads, and leafy green vegetables.

How long does it take to recover from a GI bleed?

Even in the presence of a low Hb level at discharge, an acceptable outcome is expected after endoscopic hemostasis for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Recovery of the Hb level after discharge is complete within 45 days.

What causes a lower GI bleed?

Causes of lower GI bleeding. One of the most common causes of lower GI bleeding is colitis, which occurs when your colon becomes inflamed. Colitis has multiple causes, including: infection. food poisoning. parasites. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. reduced blood flow in the colon.

What are the treatments for GI bleed?

Treatment. If you have an upper GI bleed, you might be given an IV drug known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to suppress stomach acid production. Once the source of the bleeding is identified, your doctor will determine whether you need to continue taking a PPI.

Is GI bleeding serious?

GI bleeding can be very frightening when it is found in your feces, mucus, or vomit. However, the underlying conditions for GI bleeding can be even more serious. This is because GI bleeding is often associated with some very serious illnesses.

What is an upper GI bleed?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (sometimes upper GI, UGI bleed, Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastrorrhagia) is gastrointestinal bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, commonly defined as bleeding arising from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.