Which conditions can cause an upper gastrointestinal bleed?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the upper part of the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The conditions that can lead to such bleeding are primarily those that affect the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining or cause increased pressure in the blood vessels.

Peptic ulcers are a common cause of upper GI bleeds, as these can create open sores in the stomach or duodenum that bleed. Esophageal varices, which are swollen veins in the esophagus typically resulting from liver cirrhosis and increased portal hypertension, can also rupture and cause significant bleeding. Both conditions are directly related to the upper gastrointestinal tract and are significant causes of this type of hemorrhage.

In contrast, inflammation caused by viruses is more typically associated with gastroenteritis, which primarily affects the lower gastrointestinal tract and may not result in meaningful upper GI bleeding. Conditions like diabetes and hypertension do not directly lead to upper GI bleeds; they are systemic issues that can have broader effects on health but do not specifically compromise the upper gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, appendicitis and diverticulitis primarily affect the lower gastrointestinal tract, with diverticulitis involving the colon and appendicitis involving the appendix.