Definition of upper GI bleeding

Type	Description
Presentation	Most commonly presents as hematemesis and/or melena
Hematemesis	*Emesis with either red blood or coffee-ground color* Indicates bleeding proximal to Ligament of Treitz *Emesis with red blood* Moderate to severe bleeding, possibly ongoing *Coffee ground emesis* More limited bleeding that is likely not ongoing
Melena	*Black, tarry stool* Indicates bleeding distal to ligament of Treitz (90%) Color and odor due to digestive enzymes and intestinal bacteria altering hemoglobin in blood *Possible origins of melena* Nasopharynx Oropharynx Right colon Small bowel

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding