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Blood may be visible in the stool or in vomit or may be hidden (occult) and detectable only by diagnostic tests. Aside from those mentioned below, symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding also include vomiting blood (hematemesis). The following symptoms may indicate rapid blood loss, which is very serious:- a rapid pulse rate
- low blood pressure
- reduced urine flow
- cold, clammy hands and feet
- confusion, disorientation, sleepiness, and even shock caused by a reduced supply of blood to the brain.
Once it has been established that bleeding has occurred or is occurring, the first step is to rule out hemorrhoids, rectal tears (fissures), and tumors by performing a rectal examination. Gastrointestinal bleeding is self-limiting in more than 80% of cases: the body is able to stop the bleeding on its own.
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