The digestive tract of the body is a very large system, which mainly occupies the upper body, so the digestive tract is divided into the right and left digestive systems in medicine. However, no matter which part of the digestive system is stimulated by external factors, it is easy to cause diseases and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. And if gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, how should one distinguish between upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding?

The onset location and cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding are different. The onset location of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, upper jejunum, and organs such as the pancreatic duct and common bile duct. The onset location of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the intestines below the suspensory muscle of the duodenum. Generally, upper gastrointestinal bleeding is caused by diseases such as peptic ulcer, gastritis, and liver disease. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding usually does not have a history of such diseases. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is generally caused by anorectal diseases.

The clinical manifestations of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding are also different. If a patient has hematemesis accompanied by melena, it indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding. If there is simple hematochezia, it is lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding may cause black stools, tarry stools, and occult blood in urine. While lower gastrointestinal bleeding presents with red pus-like stools. The blood in the stool of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is more, the fecal matter is less, and the blood and excrement are mixed evenly. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding may cause symptoms of bleeding during defecation. The symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding are upper abdominal pain, heartburn, and regurgitation of acid. The symptoms of lower gastrointestinal bleeding are lower abdominal pain, periumbilical pain, and hematochezia.

This is the difference between upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We firmly believe that with the detailed introduction by the editor, everyone should have a good understanding of the distinction between these two types of gastrointestinal bleeding. Both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding are very serious gastrointestinal diseases. If gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, the patient should first make a self-determination. It is necessary to make a clear diagnosis before treatment can be carried out. Otherwise, not only will there be no effect, but it may also worsen the condition.