What Causes Bleeding in the Digestive Tract?
Stomach acid can cause inflammation that may lead to bleeding at the lower end of the esophagus. This condition is called esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus. Sometimes a muscle between the esophagus and stomach fails to close properly and allows the return of food and stomach juices into the esophagus, which can lead to esophagitis. In addition, enlarged veins (varices) at the lower end of the esophagus may rupture and bleed massively. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of esophageal varices. Esophageal bleeding can be caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome, a tear in the lining of the esophagus. Mallory-Weiss syndrome usually results from prolonged vomiting but may also be caused by increased pressure in the abdomen from coughing, hiatal hernia, or childbirth. The stomach is a frequent site of bleeding. Alcohol, aspirin, aspirin-containing medicines, and various other medicines (particularly those used for arthritis) can cause stomach ulcers or inflammation (gastritis
