What is the difference between an upper and lower GI bleed?

Upper GI bleeding: The upper GI tract includes the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Lower GI bleeding: The lower GI tract includes much of the small intestine, large intestine or bowels, rectum, and anus.

What is an upper and lower GI for?

Barium X-rays (also called upper and lower GI series) are used to diagnose abnormalities of the GI tract, such as tumors, ulcers and other inflammatory conditions, polyps, hernias, and strictures. The use of barium with standard X-rays contributes to the visibility of various characteristics of the GI tract.

What does the lower GI tract consist of?

The lower GI tract consists of the large intestine and the anus. The anus is a 1-inch opening at the end of your digestive tract through which stool leaves your body. The anus includes the sphincter muscles—muscles that open and close and allow you to control bowel movements.

How long does it take to do an upper and lower GI?

Both of the procedures usually takes about 45 minutes, combined. However, this will depend on whether you choose to have Equanox (Gas & Air) or to be sedated. If you choose to be sedated, please allow two to four hours.

Is coffee ground emesis upper or lower GI bleed?

Coffee-ground emesis is vomiting of dark brown, granular material that resembles coffee grounds. It results from upper GI bleeding that has slowed or stopped, with conversion of red hemoglobin to brown hematin by gastric acid.

What 4 common gastrointestinal complications exist that require GI medications?

Gastrointestinal Complications GI complications include nausea and vomiting, adynamic ileus, gastroesophageal reflux, ischemic bowel, colonic perforation, CMV colitis, gastroparesis, and diaphragmatic hernia.

What is the difference between the upper and lower GI tract?

The GI tract is divided into two main sections: the upper GI tract and the lower GI tract. The upper GI tract is generally considered to be the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and finally the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The lower GI tract runs from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon) to the anus.

What happens during an upper GI?

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x-rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The upper GI series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.

What does an upper GI consist of?

The upper GI consists of the following organs: It includes the teeth, tongue, and buccal mucous membranes containing the ends of the salivary glands that continue with the soft palate, floor of the mouth, and underside of the tongue.

What is upper GI procedure?

An upper GI series is a procedure in which a doctor uses real-time X-rays called fluoroscopy and a chalky liquid contrast material called barium to view your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract.