Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding, Stable

Your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum).

Signs of bleeding from your upper GI tract may include vomiting or coughing up blood or coffee-ground like material. Or you may have black or tarry stools. Very small amounts of GI bleeding may not be visible and can only be found by a stool test Sudden bleeding may result in low blood pressure, fast heart rate, or fainting.

Causes of upper GI bleeding can include:

Tear in the lining of the esophagus
Enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach, especially in someone with cirrhosis
An ulcer in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine
Severe irritation of the stomach
Inflammation of the digestive tract
Abnormal growth (tumor) of the upper digestive tract

A bloody nose or mouth or dental problems may cause you to swallow blood. You may vomit this blood up. This is not true GI bleeding. Iron supplements and medicines for diarrhea and upset stomach can cause black stools. This is not GI bleeding and is not a cause for concern.

Home care

You've had an assessment for your bleeding. You will need to continue your care at home. Depending on the cause of your bleeding, care may include:

You may be given medicines to help protect your GI tract, treat your problem, and help with healing. Take these as directed. Call your provider if you have questions about your medicines or side effects that concern you.
Sometimes tests, such as endoscopy, may also be used to stop bleeding. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a light and a camera on the tip that is put into your stomach through your throat.
Don't take NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so. They can irritate the stomach and cause more bleeding. If you are taking these medicines for other reasons, talk with your provider before you stop them.
If you are on blood thinners, discuss the treatment plan with your provider.
Don't use alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco. These can delay healing and make your problem worse. If you have trouble stopping any of these things, ask your provider for treatment resources.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised. You may need more tests to find the cause of your bleeding.

When to get medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away for any of the following:

Stomach pain starts or gets worse
Pain spreads to the neck, back, shoulder, or arm
Weakness or dizziness
Swelling of your belly
Fresh blood in your stool
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
New symptoms

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

Trouble breathing or swallowing
Severe dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Vomiting blood that is not related to a bloody nose or a dental procedure
Large amounts of blood in the stool
Black, tarry stool
Chest pain or lightheadedness

Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Robyn Zercher FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Shaziya Allarakha MD

Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2024