Melaena, also known as melena, is a symptom characterized by the passage of black, tarry stools due to the presence of digested blood. It is often a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Melaena can be a concerning symptom and may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires prompt medical evaluation. Understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and diagnostic process for melaena is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.
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What causes melaena?
Melaena is usually caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Common causes include peptic ulcers, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus), Mallory-Weiss tears (tears in the lining of the esophagus), tumors or polyps in the stomach or intestines, and certain medications that can irritate the stomach lining.
What are the symptoms associated with melaena?
The main symptom of melaena is the passage of black, tarry stools. Other symptoms that may accompany melaena include weakness, fatigue,dizziness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. It is important to note that melaena itself is a symptom and not a diagnosis, so further evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you experience melaena or notice black, tarry stools, it is important to seek immediate medical
attention. Melaena is often a sign of significant bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which
requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Additionally, if you experience severe abdominal pain,
dizziness, fainting, or persistent vomiting, seek urgent medical care.
Diagnosing the underlying cause of melaena involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional.
This may include taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering
diagnostic tests such as blood tests, upper endoscopy (a procedure to visualize the upper
gastrointestinal tract), or imaging studies like abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. These investigations
help identify the source and severity of the bleeding.
The common differential diagnoses for melaena include upper gastrointestinal bleeding from peptic ulcers,
gastritis, esophageal varices, Mallory-Weiss tears, tumors, or polyps. Other conditions that may cause
melaena include Meckel's diverticulum, Crohn's disease, or certain medications that can cause
gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diagnostic investigations are essential in cases of melaena to determine the cause and severity of the
bleeding. Identifying the underlying cause helps guide appropriate treatment and management. In
addition, diagnostic investigations can help rule out other potential causes of melaena and ensure that
the bleeding is not a sign of a more serious condition.
Red flag signs that require immediate medical attention in cases of melaena include severe abdominal
pain, dizziness, fainting, profuse bleeding, or blood in the vomit. These signs may indicate a
significant amount of bleeding or a potentially life-threatening condition, and prompt medical
intervention is necessary.
For melaena, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist, a healthcare professional who specializes
in the digestive system. They have the expertise to evaluate and manage conditions related to the
gastrointestinal tract, including melaena. If immediate medical attention is required, seeking care at
an emergency department is advisable.
Melaena is a serious symptom that requires medical evaluation and treatment. It is not appropriate to try
to treat melaena at home. If you experience melaena, it is important to seek medical attention to
identify and address the underlying cause of the bleeding.
In some cases, melaena may be preventable by managing and treating the underlying conditions that can
cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Preventive measures may include taking medications as prescribed,
avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress, practicing good hygiene, and seeking timely
medical care for gastrointestinal symptoms or conditions.
