Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs along the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. It can range from mild and slow to sudden and severe. While it’s not a disease on its own, it’s often a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

In the upper gastrointestinal tract, gastric ulcers, reflux esophagitis and gastritis are the most common causes, and in the lower gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids and diverticular bleeding are more common.