Most common cause of lower gastro intestinal bleeding is
**Core Concept**
The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus, and bleeding from this region can be caused by various conditions. The most common cause of lower GI bleeding is often related to the presence of ulcers, tumor, or inflammation in the lower GI tract.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common cause of lower GI bleeding is diverticulosis, which is a condition where small pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the colon. These diverticula can bleed due to the thinning of the intestinal wall and increased pressure within the colon. The blood loss from diverticulosis can be slow and may not be immediately apparent, but it can lead to significant anemia over time. Diverticulosis is often associated with age-related changes in the colon and is more common in individuals over the age of 40.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause bleeding in the lower GI tract, but it is not the most common cause of lower GI bleeding.
**Option B:** Angiodysplasia refers to the presence of abnormal blood vessels in the GI tract, which can cause bleeding. However, it is a less common cause of lower GI bleeding compared to diverticulosis.
**Option C:** Cancer of the colon is a serious condition that can cause bleeding in the lower GI tract, but it is not the most common cause of lower GI bleeding.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Diverticulosis is often asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is made incidentally during imaging studies or endoscopy for other reasons. It is essential to consider diverticulosis as a possible cause of lower GI bleeding, especially in older adults.
**Correct Answer: D. Diverticulosis**