Pediatric GI Bleeding
Pediatric GI bleeding is bleeding that happens in your child’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.
What is Pediatric GI Bleeding?
Pediatric GI bleeding includes any bleeding that happens in your child’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A child with GI bleeding may have vomiting with blood or they may have bleeding during or between bowel movements. GI bleeding is a symptom of a medical problem, such as an ulcer or colon polyps.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric GI Bleeding?
The symptoms of GI bleeding depend on if the bleeding is happening in the upper or lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include:
Abdominal cramps
Anemia (low iron in the blood)
Black, tar-like stool
Dizziness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Vomiting blood
What are the causes of Pediatric GI Bleeding?
The most common causes of GI bleeding in children include:
Anal fissures
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus that tear)
Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
Immature digestive system (in infants)
Maternal blood ingestion (at birth or during breastfeeding)
Milk protein allergy
Peptic ulcer disease
Vascular lesions
Vitamin K deficiency at birth
Pediatric GI Bleeding Doctors and Providers
