Upper GI Bleeding: Causes, Signs, and What You Need to Know

When you hear upper GI bleeding, a sudden loss of blood from the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, or first part of the small intestine. It’s not just a symptom—it’s a medical emergency that can turn deadly in hours if ignored. Many people mistake it for a bad stomachache or indigestion, but blood in vomit or black, tarry stools isn’t normal. It’s your body screaming for help.

Peptic ulcers, open sores in the stomach or duodenum lining, often caused by H. pylori bacteria or long-term NSAID use. They’re the #1 cause of upper GI bleeding. Esophageal varices, swollen veins in the esophagus due to liver disease like cirrhosis. are another major culprit—especially in people with chronic alcohol use or hepatitis. Then there’s gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining. from stress, infection, or heavy drinking. These aren’t abstract terms—they’re real, common triggers you can’t afford to ignore.

What does it look like? Bright red blood in vomit? That’s a red flag. Black, sticky, foul-smelling stool? That’s digested blood—called melena. Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or passing out? Those mean you’ve lost enough blood to drop your pressure. And here’s the scary part: some people bleed slowly for days without noticing, until they’re suddenly weak or pale. It doesn’t always come with pain.

Doctors don’t guess—they test. Endoscopy is the gold standard. It’s not as bad as you think. A thin camera goes down your throat, and they can often stop the bleed right then—using clips, heat, or injections. But prevention matters more than rescue. If you take daily aspirin or ibuprofen, talk to your doctor about stomach protection. If you drink heavily, cutting back isn’t just advice—it’s a lifesaver. And if you have liver disease, regular monitoring isn’t optional.

This collection of posts doesn’t just explain upper GI bleeding—it connects it to real-world health decisions. You’ll find how opioid use can lead to constipation that worsens bleeding risk, how steroid withdrawal can trigger adrenal crashes that make bleeding harder to manage, and why knowing the difference between side effects and true drug reactions matters when you’re on multiple meds. You’ll see how liver disease ties into portal vein issues, and how medication lists can help you avoid dangerous combos that could trigger a bleed. These aren’t random articles—they’re pieces of a puzzle you need to solve before it’s too late.