Dr. Durga Prasad

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding in Children

Gastrointestinal bleeding in children refers to any bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract — from the mouth to the rectum. It can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-threatening, depending on the cause.

Types of GI Bleeding

Upper GI Bleeding
- Originates from the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine
- May appear as:
  - Vomiting blood (bright red or "coffee ground" appearance)
  - Black, tarry stools (melena)
Lower GI Bleeding
- Comes from the lower small intestine, colon, rectum, or anus
- May appear as:
  - Bright red blood in stool
  - Bloody diarrhea

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Common Causes in Children

Upper GI Causes

Swallowed blood (e.g., from nosebleeds or after dental procedures)
Gastritis or stomach ulcers (infection, stress, NSAID use)
Esophagitis (acid reflux irritation)
Mallory-Weiss tear (from repeated vomiting)
Esophageal varices (rare; usually in children with liver disease)

Lower GI Causes

Anal fissures (small tears from hard stools or constipation)
Infectious diarrhea (bacterial or viral)
Juvenile polyps (benign growths in the colon)
Meckel’s diverticulum (congenital pouch in the intestine)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Food allergies (e.g., milk protein allergy in infants)

Symptoms to Watch For

Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Black, tarry stools (melena)
Bright red blood in or on the stool
Abdominal pain, fatigue, pale skin
Dizziness or fainting (in severe cases)
Refusal to eat, weight loss, or poor growth (in chronic cases)

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences any of the following:

Large amounts of blood in vomit or stool
Signs of dehydration or shock: fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, lethargy
Black, tarry stools or persistent rectal bleeding
If your child looks pale, weak, or is not acting normally