Melaena: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

Melaena is a medical condition that describes the passage of dark, tarry, and malodorous stools with blood. It is a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. There are two main types of Melaena: upper gastrointestinal bleeding and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

1. Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Melaena: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in the upper part of the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. In cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the blood is typically dark and tarry in appearance due to the partial digestion of the blood by stomach acid.
   
   Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that can lead to Melaena include peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, and Mallory-Weiss tears. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding Melaena may also be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and dizziness.
2. Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Melaena: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in the lower part of the digestive system, including the large intestine and rectum. In cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, the blood may be bright red in colour and may be mixed in with the stool or present on the toilet paper.
   
   Common causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding that can lead to Melaena include colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids, and diverticulitis. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding Melaena may also be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience Melaena, regardless of whether it is upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding. A doctor can conduct tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Melaena is a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding that occurs when blood passes through the digestive system and is altered by enzymes and stomach acid. This results in dark, black stools with blood that are usually dark brown in colour. Black stool symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of bleeding, but there are some common black stool symptoms to look out for.

1. Dark or Tarry Stools: Melaena stools are dark and tarry due to the presence of blood that has been partially digested by stomach acid. This can make it difficult to distinguish between blood and faeces.
2. Abdominal Pain or Cramps: Some individuals with Melaena may experience abdominal pain or cramps due to the underlying cause of bleeding, such as ulcers or tumours.
3. Nausea or Vomiting: Nausea or vomiting may occur if there is significant blood loss or if the underlying cause of Melaena is a stomach or intestinal obstruction.
4. Weakness or Fatigue: Melaena can cause weakness or fatigue due to the loss of blood and nutrients. This can be especially severe if the bleeding is significant.
5. Shortness of Breath: Severe Melaena can cause shortness of breath due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
6. Light-headedness or Fainting: Severe Melaena can cause light-headedness or fainting due to the loss of blood pressure and blood volume.
7. Rapid Heartbeat: Rapid heartbeat or palpitations can occur due to the body's response to the reduced blood volume caused by Melaena.

Melaena is a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. The dark colour of Melaena stools is due to the presence of blood that has been partially digested by stomach acid. Here are some common Melaena causes:

1. Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcers are open sores that can develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. These ulcers can bleed, causing Melaena. This is one of the most common black stool causes.
2. Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause bleeding and Melaena.
3. Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the oesophagus that can rupture and cause Melaena. This condition is often associated with liver disease.
4. Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in Melaena.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in Melaena.
6. Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus that can bleed, causing Melaena.
7. Mallory-Weiss Tear: A Mallory-Weiss tear is a tear in the lining of the oesophagus that can occur due to vomiting, coughing, or straining. This tear can cause bleeding and Melaena.
8. Angiodysplasia: Angiodysplasia is a condition in which abnormal blood vessels form in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can rupture and cause bleeding and Melaena.
9. Trauma: Trauma to the gastrointestinal tract, such as from a car accident or injury, can cause bleeding and Melaena.
10. Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood-thinning medications, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and Melaena.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience Melaena, as it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Early identification and management of the underlying cause are essential to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Melaena is a symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing Melaena.

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis, are at higher risk of developing Melaena.
2. Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as liver or kidney disease can increase the risk of developing Melaena due to their effect on the body's ability to clot blood.
3. Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood-thinning medications, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and Melaena.
4. Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and Melaena.
5. Age: Older adults are at higher risk of developing Melaena due to the increased likelihood of having underlying conditions that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
6. Family History: A family history of gastrointestinal disorders or bleeding disorders can increase the risk of developing Melaena.
7. Smoking: Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and Melaena.

It is important to manage these risk factors to reduce the likelihood of developing Melaena. Preventive measures such as avoiding medications that increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, limiting alcohol consumption, managing chronic diseases, managing stress levels, and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can reduce the risk of developing Melaena. Seeking medical attention for symptoms of Melaena can help identify and manage the underlying condition and prevent complications.

Preventing Melaena involves identifying and managing the underlying conditions that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Some preventive measures that can reduce the risk of developing Melaena include:

• Avoiding the use of medications that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, unless otherwise prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding drug abuse.
• Managing chronic diseases, such as liver or kidney disease, through appropriate medical care and lifestyle modifications.
• Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, which can help prevent gastrointestinal disorders that can lead to Melaena.

The diagnosis of Melaena involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider will ask questions about the individual's symptoms, medical history, and medication use. A physical examination may also be conducted to check for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as low blood pressure or anaemia.

Additional tests that may be conducted to diagnose Melaena include:

1. Stool analysis: A stool sample may be collected to check for the presence of blood in the stool.
2. Upper endoscopy: An upper endoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera through the mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to look for signs of bleeding.
3. Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera through the rectum and into the colon to look for signs of bleeding.
4. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be conducted to check for abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

Melaena can be classified into different stages based on the severity of bleeding and the duration of symptoms:

1. Stage 1: Mild bleeding, which may appear as streaks or small clots in the stool.
2. Stage 2: Moderate bleeding, which may appear as dark or tarry stools and may be accompanied by abdominal pain or cramps.
3. Stage 3: Severe bleeding, which may cause symptoms such as light-headedness, weakness, or fainting.

Melena treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of bleeding. In cases of mild Melaena, the underlying condition may be managed through medication or lifestyle modifications. However, severe Melaena may require immediate medical attention and intervention.

Melena treatment may include:

1. Medications: Medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics, may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions that can cause Melaena.
2. Endoscopic therapy: Endoscopic therapy involves the use of a flexible tube with a camera to locate and treat the bleeding source in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Blood transfusions: Severe Melaena may require blood transfusions to replace the lost blood and improve the individual's condition.
4. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying condition that is causing Melaena.

The road to recovery from Melaena involves managing the underlying condition and taking steps to prevent future occurrences. Aftercare for Melaena may include:

• Following a healthy diet and exercise regimen to maintain gastrointestinal health.
• Avoiding alcohol and drug abuse to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Managing chronic diseases through appropriate medical care and lifestyle modifications.
• Taking medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Regularly visiting a healthcare provider for check-ups and monitoring of gastrointestinal health.

1. Can Melaena be a sign of cancer?
   Yes, Melaena can be a sign of gastrointestinal cancers, such as colon cancer or stomach cancer. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of Melaena to identify and manage the underlying condition.
2. Is Melaena a medical emergency?
   Severe Melaena can be a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of severe Melaena include light-headedness, weakness, or fainting, and should be treated as a medical emergency.
3. How is Melaena treated?
   The treatment of Melaena depends on the underlying cause and the severity of bleeding. Treatment options may include medication, endoscopic therapy, blood transfusions, or surgery.
4. Can Melaena be prevented?
   Preventing Melaena involves identifying and managing the underlying conditions that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Some preventive measures that can reduce the risk of developing Melaena include avoiding medications that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, limiting alcohol consumption, managing chronic diseases, managing stress levels, maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
5. How is Melaena diagnosed?
   The diagnosis of Melaena involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests that may be conducted to diagnose Melaena include stool analysis, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging tests.
6. What are the symptoms of Melaena?
   Symptoms of Melaena include dark or tarry stools with blood, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea or vomiting, and weakness or fatigue.
7. What causes Melaena?
   Melaena is caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding include ulcers, inflammation, tumours, or varices.
8. Can Melaena be fatal?
   Melaena can be fatal if left untreated or if it is caused by a severe underlying condition, such as cancer. Seeking medical attention for symptoms of Melaena can help identify and manage the underlying condition.
9. Who is at risk for developing Melaena?
   Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic diseases such as liver or kidney disease are at higher risk of developing Melaena.
10. What is the outlook for individuals with Melaena?
    The outlook for individuals with Melaena depends on the underlying cause and severity of bleeding. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes and prevent complications. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and manage underlying conditions to prevent future occurrences of Melaena.