If you notice bloody or black stool, it might seem obvious that you’re bleeding from your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But finding the exact location of a bleed can require some detective work. That’s especially true if the source of the bleeding is your small intestine, also called the small bowel.
When partially digested food leaves your stomach, it passes through the lengthy small intestine. This organ breaks down food further while also absorbing nutrients and water. Bleeding in this hard-to-reach area of the GI tract is less typical, accounting for about 5% of all GI bleeds.
However, small bowel bleeding becomes more common with age. As you get older, the mucus lining of the intestines may thin. Blood vessels may become swollen, fragile and twisted. In addition, tumors, polyps or ulcers may form. These may lead to bleeding.
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