Understanding Hematemesis (Vomiting Blood)
Vomiting blood, medically called hematemesis, is always a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention. The blood may appear as bright red streaks, dark brown chunks resembling coffee grounds, or large amounts of fresh blood. This guide explains the causes, dangers, and what to do if it happens to you.
What Does Blood in Vomit Look Like?
The appearance of blood in vomit gives important clues:
1. Bright Red Blood
- Indicates fresh, active bleeding
- Usually comes from esophagus or stomach
- May be mixed with food or liquid
2. Dark Brown/Black “Coffee Ground” Vomit
- Shows older, digested blood
- Blood has been in stomach for hours
- Often comes from ulcers or stomach bleeding
3. Blood Streaks
- Small amounts mixed with vomit
- May come from throat irritation
- Still needs medical evaluation
Emergency Warning Signs
Go to the ER immediately if you experience:
Large amounts of blood
Repeated vomiting with blood
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid heartbeat
Severe abdominal pain
Cold, clammy skin
Common Causes of Vomiting Blood
Upper Digestive Tract Causes
- Peptic Ulcers
- Sores in stomach lining
- Often caused by H. pylori bacteria or NSAIDs
- Esophageal Tears
- Violent vomiting can tear throat lining
- Common in alcoholics (Mallory-Weiss tear)
- Gastritis
- Stomach inflammation
- From alcohol, medications, or infections
- Esophageal Varices
- Swollen veins in throat
- Common in liver disease patients
Other Serious Causes
- Stomach or esophageal cancer
- Severe liver disease
- Swallowed blood from nose/mouth injuries
- Certain blood disorders
Diagnostic Tests Doctors Use
1. Physical Examination
- Checks for signs of shock
- Examines abdomen for pain
2. Blood Tests
- Measures blood count
- Checks liver/kidney function
- Tests clotting ability
3. Endoscopy
- Camera inserted through mouth
- Views esophagus, stomach, intestines
- Can treat bleeding during procedure
4. Imaging Scans
- CT scans or ultrasounds
- Looks for tumors or organ damage
Emergency Treatment Options
Immediate Stabilization
- IV fluids for dehydration
- Blood transfusions if needed
- Oxygen therapy
Medications
- Acid reducers (PPIs)
- Antibiotics for infections
- Drugs to lower portal pressure
Procedures to Stop Bleeding
- Endoscopic Therapy
- Clips, injections, or heat to seal bleeding
- Angiography
- Blocks bleeding blood vessels
- Surgery
- Last resort for severe cases
Life-Threatening Complications
Hypovolemic Shock
- From massive blood loss
- Symptoms:
- Rapid weak pulse
- Pale skin
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Aspiration Pneumonia
- Vomit enters lungs
- Causes breathing problems
- Requires antibiotics
Recovery and Prevention
Aftercare Instructions
- Soft diet initially
- Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs
- Take prescribed medications
- Follow-up with specialist
Preventive Measures
✔ Treat ulcers and GERD early
✔ Limit alcohol consumption
✔ Use pain relievers carefully
✔ Manage liver conditions
When to Seek Follow-Up Care
Contact your doctor if you develop:
- Black, tarry stools
- Ongoing stomach pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent vomiting
Key Takeaways
- Vomiting blood is ALWAYS an emergency
- Appearance indicates bleeding location
- Many causes require different treatments
- Quick action saves lives
- Proper follow-up prevents recurrence
Remember: Don’t wait to see if it stops. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you vomit blood. Early treatment greatly improves outcomes.