Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Overview

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding from the digestive tract above the ligament of Treitz. It typically presents with hematemesis and melena and can rapidly lead to hypovolemic shock.

Symptoms

• Hematemesis
• Melena
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Palpitations
• Pallor

Treatment

Withhold food and provide aggressive fluid resuscitation to counter shock, administer acid-suppressing and hemostatic medications, and perform emergency endoscopy to identify and control the bleeding source.

Dietary advice

Fast during the acute bleeding phase, then gradually progress from cold liquids after hemostasis, and avoid coarse, spicy, or overly hot foods.