GI bleeds Flashcards
what does an upper GI bleeds refer to
bleeding originating proximal to the ligament of treitz (duodenojejunal junction)
what is the ampulla of vater
point of separation from the upper and middle GI tract
What are the 2 most common causes if GI bleeds?
peptic ulcer disease
oesophageal varicies
oesophagitis
what is the most common cause of a peptic ulcer disease
H.pylori infection
NSAIDs
hows does peptic ulcer disease cause a GI bleed (describe the mechanism)
decrease in protective gastric mucous = ulcers
How does oesophageal varices cause a GI bleed
portal hypertension = development of collateral vessels = increased pressure in the gastric veins
How does oesophagitis cause a GI bleed?
acid reflux damages irritates the oesophagus = inflammation
what does haematemesis refer to
vomiting fresh blood/coffee ground vomit
what causes the appearance of coffee ground vomit
acid oxidises the iron in blood
what does malaena refer to
tar like stool
what is malaena an indication of
upper/lower GI bleed
upper GI bleed
digested blood
where does a patient with a GI bleed complain of abdo pain
epigastrium
a patient with a GI bleed also has a fever. what might this indicate
perforation in the chest/abdomen
how might the blood appear in a lower GI bleed
fresh red blood
what scoring system is used to decide if the patient needs an outpatient/inpatient endoscopy
Glasgow blatchford score
