Q. What causes melena?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Melena is typically caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine. The dark, tarry appearance of melena is due to the digestion and breakdown of hemoglobin from the blood as it passes through the digestive system. There are several possible underlying causes of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract that can lead to melena, including:
1. Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause bleeding, and this blood may then appear as melena in the stool.
2. Gastritis: Inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining can lead to bleeding and melena.
3. Esophageal Varices: These are enlarged veins in the esophagus, often associated with liver disease, and can bleed, resulting in melena.
4. Mallory-Weiss Tears: Tears in the mucous membrane at the junction of the esophagus and stomach can cause bleeding.
5. Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus can lead to bleeding and melena.
6. Gastrointestinal Cancers: Certain cancers of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine can cause bleeding and melena.
7. Vascular Lesions: Abnormal blood vessels, such as angiodysplasia or Dieulafoy lesions, can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and melena.
8. Medications: Some medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause irritation and bleeding in the stomach lining.
9. Blood Disorders: Conditions that affect blood clotting or platelet function may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and melena.
It's important to emphasize that melena is a concerning symptom, and its underlying cause should be promptly investigated and treated by a healthcare professional. Diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy, imaging studies, or blood tests, may be necessary to determine the source of the bleeding and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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