What Causes Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Elderly People?

The causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly are diverse, ranging from non-disease factors such as improper diet and medication effects to disease factors like gastric ulcers, esophagitis, or cirrhosis. If the symptoms are severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Understanding these potential causes can help us better prevent and manage such situations.

1. Non-disease Factors

Dietary habits play a significant role in the gastrointestinal health of the elderly. For example, consuming too much spicy or irritant food or excessive alcohol may damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. Certain medications can also be culprits. Long-term use of anticoagulants or glucocorticoids can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, increasing the risk of bleeding. This adds a burden to the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the elderly, whose bodies have weaker recovery abilities and are more susceptible to such effects.

2. Disease Factors

Gastric ulcer is a common chronic gastric disease often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. It leads to increased gastric acid secretion, eroding the gastrointestinal mucosa and forming erosions and ulcerations. In this case, repeated stimulation from food and gastric acid may cause bleeding. Esophagitis is another possible disease factor, usually triggered by abnormal physical or chemical irritation, leading to esophageal mucosa inflammation and disrupting the normal flow of gastric contents, resulting in bleeding. Patients with cirrhosis may experience symptoms such as ascites and splenomegaly due to liver fibrosis, further increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Duodenal ulcers may also be a cause of bleeding.

Facing these complex conditions, the elderly and their families need to stay vigilant. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly if related symptoms appear. Meanwhile, paying attention to dietary adjustments in daily life, avoiding excessive reliance on medications, and maintaining good living habits can also help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Caring for the health of the elderly starts from the details, helping them enjoy a healthy life in their later years.