Upper gastrointestinal bleeding requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Treatment includes medication to stop the bleeding, endoscopic treatment, and surgical intervention. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is usually caused by gastric ulcers, esophageal varices, or damage to the gastric mucosa, and targeted measures should be taken according to the cause.
1. Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include gastric ulcers, esophageal varices, and gastric mucosal injury. Gastric ulcers are often associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or stress; esophageal varices are common in patients with cirrhosis; and gastric mucosal injury may be related to alcohol, drugs, or trauma.
2. Drug therapy is the first-line treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Commonly used drugs include proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine, and hemostatic agents such as tranexamic acid. These drugs can reduce gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and promote hemostasis.
3. Endoscopic treatment is suitable for bleeding that cannot be controlled by medication. Common methods include endoscopic hemostatic clips, electrocoagulation, and sclerotherapy. Endoscopic treatment can directly locate the bleeding point and achieve effective hemostasis, making it an important intervention for acute bleeding.
4. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients who do not respond to endoscopic treatment or have significant bleeding. Common surgical procedures include subtotal gastrectomy, esophageal vein ligation, and vascular embolization. Surgery can completely resolve the bleeding problem, but it is more invasive and should be chosen with caution.
5. Dietary management is crucial for the recovery from upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is recommended to choose easily digestible, low-irritant foods, such as rice porridge, steamed eggs, and cooked vegetables. Avoid spicy, greasy, and hard foods to reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Lifestyle adjustments can help prevent recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding overwork, and maintaining emotional stability. Regular checkups and taking medication as prescribed are also important preventative measures.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious condition requiring emergency treatment; timely medical attention and standardized treatment are crucial. Through medication, endoscopy, or surgery, combined with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, the condition can be effectively controlled and recurrence prevented.