Q. How is hematemesis diagnosed?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Diagnosing hematemesis, which is the act of vomiting blood, involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding. The diagnostic process typically includes the following steps:
1. Medical History: The healthcare provider will start by taking a detailed medical history, which may involve questions about the frequency and duration of the hematemesis, associated symptoms, any recent illnesses, and any relevant medical conditions or medications.
2. Physical Examination: A physical examination is conducted to assess the individual's overall condition, vital signs, and signs of shock or other complications related to blood loss.
3. Laboratory Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC measures various blood components, including hemoglobin and hematocrit, to determine the severity of blood loss.
- Coagulation Profile: Coagulation tests may be performed to assess blood clotting function.
4. Imaging Studies:
- Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD): This is a common procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It can help identify the source of bleeding, such as ulcers, varices, or other abnormalities.
- Imaging scans: In some cases, imaging studies like CT scans or angiography may be used to identify the source of bleeding or assess the blood vessels in the area.
5. Other Diagnostic Tests:
- Stool tests: Stool samples may be collected to check for the presence of blood in the stool, which can help determine if the bleeding is originating from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.
- Biopsy: During an endoscopy, a biopsy may be taken to further evaluate tissue samples for signs of infection, inflammation, or malignancy.
6. Identifying the Underlying Cause: The healthcare provider will use the information gathered from the medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to identify the underlying cause of hematemesis. Common causes include peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, gastritis, and more.
Once the underlying cause of the hematemesis is determined, appropriate treatment can be initiated. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis and the severity of the condition. It's important to note that hematemesis is a symptom of an underlying issue, and addressing the root cause is essential to prevent further bleeding and manage the condition effectively.
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