Gastrointestinal (GI) Emergencies

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your GI Condition
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Treatment

Treatment for a GI tract emergency depends on the condition. Treatment may involve intravenous (IV) fluids and medications, drainage of digestive contents (e.g., nasogastric tube, gastric lavage), blood transfusion, and surgery.

Delaying treatment for a gastrointestinal emergency can lead to severe complications and death. Complications include the following:

• Changes in heart rate (e.g., tachycardia)
• Dehydration (excessive fluid loss; signs include dark-colored urine, fatigue, lethargy, headache, and fever)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Fainting (syncope; caused by reduced blood flow to the brain)
• Shortness of breath
• Shock (insufficient blood flow)

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