Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Lower)

Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Lower) refers to sudden bleeding that occurs in the lower part of the digestive system, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. This condition affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing blood to appear in the stool or as rectal bleeding. It can lead to symptoms like bright red blood in stool, dizziness, or weakness due to blood loss. The bleeding can be caused by various issues such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or inflammation. Because the bleeding is sudden and can be severe, it requires prompt medical attention to identify the source and prevent complications like anemia or shock.

Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Lower) is defined as bleeding originating distal to the ligament of Treitz, typically involving the colon, rectum, or anus. The core pathology involves disruption of the mucosal or vascular integrity leading to hemorrhage into the intestinal lumen. Common causes include diverticulosis, angiodysplasia, colorectal neoplasms, and inflammatory bowel disease. The bleeding is often brisk and may present as hematochezia or maroon-colored stools. This condition is clinically significant due to the risk of hemodynamic instability and the need for urgent diagnosis and management. Identification of the bleeding source is critical to guide therapy and prevent recurrent bleeding or complications such as hypovolemic shock.