Gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a problem encountered frequently in the elderly. This article reviews its diagnosis and management, focusing on issues particularly relevant in geriatric care. The article begins with an overview of acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and follows with more focused descriptions of upper GI bleeding, lower GI bleeding, and the growing problem of bleeding of obscure origin. The article concludes with recommendations for the evaluation of positive fecal occult blood tests.