Common Gastroenterology Emergencies
- 1. Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding
- Types: Upper (vomiting blood) or lower (blood in stool)
- Symptoms: Black stools, fresh bleeding, dizziness, weakness
- Causes: Ulcers, varices, tears, tumors
- Emergency because: Can lead to shock and severe blood loss
- 2. Acute Pancreatitis
- Types: Sudden inflammation of the pancreas
- Symptoms: Severe upper abdominal pain (radiating to back), vomiting
- Common causes: Alcohol, gallstones
- Emergency because: Can become life-threatening if severe
- 3. Acute Liver Failure
- Types: Rapid loss of liver function
- Symptoms: Jaundice, confusion, drowsiness, bleeding tendency
- Emergency because: Can lead to coma and multi-organ failure
- 4. Cholangitis (Bile Duct Infection)
- Types: Infection in bile ducts
- Symptoms: Fever, jaundice, abdominal pain
- Emergency because: Can cause sepsis if untreated
- 5. Intestinal Obstruction
- Types: Blockage in the intestine
- Symptoms: Severe pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, no stool/gas
- Emergency because: Risk of bowel damage or rupture
- 6. Perforation of GI Tract
- Types: Hole in stomach or intestine
- Symptoms: Sudden severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen
- Emergency because: Causes infection in abdomen (peritonitis)
- 7. Severe Diarrhea & Dehydration
- Types: Often due to infection
- Symptoms: Frequent loose stools, weakness, dehydration
- Emergency because: Can lead to electrolyte imbalance and shock
- 8. Esophageal Variceal Bleeding
- Types: Bleeding from enlarged veins (usually in liver disease)
- Symptoms: Massive vomiting of blood
- Emergency because: High risk of death if not treated immediately
- 9. Acute Appendicitis
- Types: Inflammation of appendix
- Symptoms: Right lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting
- Emergency because: Can rupture if delayed
- 10. Toxic Megacolon
- Types: Severe complication of colitis
- Symptoms: Abdominal distension, fever, shock
- Emergency because: Risk of colon rupture
- When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
- Go to emergency care if you have:
- : Vomiting blood or black stools
- : Severe abdominal pain
- : Persistent vomiting
- : High fever with jaundice
- : Confusion or drowsiness
- : Sudden abdominal swelling
