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Vomiting Blood (haematemesis)

Blood vomiting (called haematemesis) should be checked before it’s too late. It often requires immediate medical treatment. 

Vomiting blood (haematemesis) is a condition in which you vomit blood that ranges in colour from vivid red to brown or black. It might be liquid, solid, or appear like coffee granules.

Causes 

There are several different causes of blood vomiting. 

It’s usually an indication of bleeding anywhere in your food pipe (oesophagus) that goes from your mouth to your stomach.

Common reasons for blood vomiting include:

  • Gastritis.
  • Ulcers in the stomach.
  • Acid reflux and heartburn.
  • Liver illness induced by drinking.
  • Excessive coughing causes damage to your food pipe.

Less prevalent factors include:

  • Stomach cancer or oesophageal cancer.
  • Blood disorders, such as haemophilia.
  • Aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen, and anticoagulant medications (blood thinning medicines).
  • Poisoning.
Vomiting Blood (haematemesis)
Moreover, it is possible to vomit up ingested blood—for example, a nosebleed or a newborn breastfeeding on a bleeding breast. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of excessive blood loss or shock include: 

  • shallow, quick breathing
  • Dizziness or loss of balance after standing up
  • Vision distortion
  • Fainting
  • Cognitive dissonance
  • Nause and vomiting
  • pale, clammy, and cold skin
  • Insufficient urine production 

When to see a doctor 

If you observe blood in your vomit or start vomiting blood, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Discovering the underlying source of the bleeding as soon as possible is critical to avoid more blood loss and other problems, including death.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 03 February 2023