Maagdarmbloedingen

Maagdarmbloedingen, also known as gastrointestinal bleeding, refers to any form of bleeding within the digestive tract. This bleeding can originate anywhere from the esophagus and stomach to the small and large intestines, and even the anus. The severity of maagdarmbloedingen can range from mild and chronic, leading to anemia, to sudden and life-threatening.

Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the bleeding. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, originating in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, may manifest as vomiting blood (hematemesis), which can appear bright red or like coffee grounds. Black, tarry stools (melena) are also a common sign of upper GI bleeding due to the digestion of blood. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding, from the small intestine, colon, or rectum, typically presents as bright red blood in the stool (hematochezia) or blood mixed with stool. Chronic, slow bleeding might not be visually obvious but can result in fatigue, weakness, and pale skin due to iron deficiency anemia.

The causes of maagdarmbloedingen are diverse. Common culprits include peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach (esophagitis, gastritis), esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus often associated with liver disease), diverticulosis (small pouches in the colon wall), inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. More serious causes can include polyps, cancerous tumors, or vascular malformations.

Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and often endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy (to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) or colonoscopy (to examine the colon). Imaging studies like CT scans may also be utilized. Treatment strategies are aimed at stopping the bleeding and addressing the underlying cause, which can range from medication and lifestyle changes to endoscopic interventions like cauterization or clipping, and in severe cases, surgery.