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Clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Haematemesis and melaena are characteristic of an upper gastrointestinal bleed.

In the history, ask the patient about:

  • dyspepsia
  • alcohol abuse
  • ingestion of analgesics
  • family history
  • syncope
  • dizziness
  • antecedent retching
  • previous episodes
  • weight loss

Possible signs of an upper GI bleed include:

  • tachycardia
  • pallor
  • sweating
  • low blood pressure, postural drop
  • melaena on digital rectal examination

Also look for the stigmata of liver disease.

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