What Are the Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

At San Diego Gastroenterology, we can provide help with various intestinal and stomach-based issues. For example, we can diagnose and treat gastrointestinal bleeding in San Diego, CA, to keep you safe. But what are the symptoms of this condition? These signs fall into hidden (occult) and apparent (overt). Understanding them can help you decide if you need treatment.

Hidden Symptoms of Bleeding

Gastrointestinal issues may not be immediately apparent and could easily be mistaken for other types of conditions. For example, many people with this bleeding issue experience lightheadedness, chest pain, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms could easily indicate different problems, making it challenging to diagnose them initially.

If you experience any of these symptoms (including fainting or difficulty staying conscious), you should talk to us immediately to get checked out. Otherwise, you might begin to develop more overt signs of gastrointestinal bleeding in San Diego, CA. These more pronounced symptoms may be very upsetting when you notice them and must be managed ASAP to avoid complications.

Obvious Signs of Bleeding

If your bleeding worsens to the point where it is obvious, you might end up with black and tarry stools every time you void. This bloody may be very sticky and hard to pass when you go. In severe cases, you might end up vomiting blood, which is often red or even dark brown. The texture may be similar to coffee grounds. Obviously, this situation is terrifying and must be handled immediately.

Some people might even develop shock if their bleeding occurs quickly or lasts too long without treatment. For example, you may notice a rapid pulse, a sudden drop in your blood pressure, urinating issues, and sudden unconsciousness. If you reach out to us before these shock systems develop, you can protect yourself and avoid long-term problems that may otherwise linger and affect your health.

Don't Ignore Expert Help

At San Diego Gastroenterology, we can provide you with the expert help you need for your gastrointestinal bleeding in San Diego, CA. Our team fully understands the impact of these problems and will do what we can to help. Make sure to call us at (619) 291-6064 to set up your appointment. Our team will get you in and identify what is going wrong.