In this guide
6 min readSymptom Guide
Anemia means low hemoglobin. In some patients, anemia is caused by visible or hidden bleeding from the digestive tract. Finding the source is important, especially in adults and older patients.
Key Takeaways
- Stomach ulcer or erosions
- Colon polyps
- Colitis
- Piles or fissure
- Cancer in selected cases
GI causes of anemia
Digestive bleeding can be slow and not always visible.
- Stomach ulcer or erosions
- Colon polyps
- Colitis
- Piles or fissure
- Cancer in selected cases
Symptoms to watch
Weakness, breathlessness, black stool, blood in stool, weight loss, poor appetite or repeated low hemoglobin need evaluation.
Tests that may be advised
Depending on age and symptoms, doctors may advise CBC, iron studies, stool occult blood, endoscopy, colonoscopy or biopsy.
Treatment plan
Iron alone may not solve anemia if bleeding continues. Treatment should address the cause.