Patient's question:
Male, 59, my father had a recurrence of transient shock this morning. After a thorough ultrasound examination, it was diagnosed as gastric bleeding. What should be done about gastric bleeding?Doctor's answer:
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to the breakdown of the mucosa in the digestive tract above the Treitz ligament, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or pancreas and biliary tract, caused by inflammation. The inflammation and breakdown of the jejunum after a gastrojejunostomy also fall under this category. There are many causes of significant mucosal breakdown in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with common ones including peptic ulcers, acute gastric mucosal injury, esophageal and gastric varices, and gastric cancer. Patients with severe bleeding should be placed in a supine position with their legs elevated, and their head should be turned to one side to prevent blood reflux during vomiting, which could lead to breathing difficulties. Oxygen supplementation and fasting may be necessary if needed. For very minor breakdowns, a liquid diet may be appropriate to help digest the blood volume, while topical medications should also be applied.