[Ethanol-induced injury and GI bleeding].

Ethanol-induced injury of digestive organs closely linked to the GI bleeding. The gastric or esophageal mucosal hemorrhage evoked by extra-amounts of alcohols is initiated by the microcirculatory damage of gastrointestinal mucosa. Many investigators focused on the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer formation as well as the ethanol-induced gastroesophageal reflux injury. Although the most important treatment for such a damage is of course to stop the drinking, it is also important to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa by potentiate the mucosal defense systems.