Vomiting blood, clinically known as haematemesis, is a distressing symptom that can indicate a serious underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing this, or witnessing someone else vomit blood, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes and the necessary steps to take.
Recognizing Vomit with Blood
The appearance of blood in vomit can vary, which may sometimes make it difficult to immediately identify. Here are a few ways blood might present in your vomit:
- Bright Red Blood: This often indicates fresh bleeding, potentially from the esophagus or stomach lining. The vomit may contain a significant amount of bright red blood.
- Streaks of Blood: You might notice streaks of red blood mixed with food particles in your vomit. This suggests a smaller amount of bleeding, but still requires attention.
- Coffee Grounds Appearance: Vomit that looks like coffee grounds signifies that the blood has been in your stomach for some time and has been partially digested by stomach acid. This darker, grainy appearance is still a clear sign of internal bleeding.
If you are uncertain whether you’ve vomited blood, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice promptly.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
In cases of vomiting blood, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Here’s when to seek immediate help:
- Emergency Situation (Call Emergency Services): If you or someone with you feels weak, faint, dizzy, or generally unwell after vomiting blood, it could indicate significant blood loss. In such situations, call emergency services immediately.
- Urgent Medical Consultation (Emergency Department or GP): Even if you feel relatively well after vomiting blood, it is still crucial to go to the nearest emergency department or contact your doctor urgently. Vomiting blood is not a symptom to ignore.
Common Causes of Vomiting Blood
Vomiting blood usually indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Here are some of the more common causes:
Stomach Ulcers or Severe Gastritis
Stomach ulcers and severe gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, are frequent culprits behind vomiting blood. These conditions can cause a burning or gnawing pain in the stomach. Bleeding occurs when the ulcer or inflammation erodes the lining and damages underlying blood vessels.
Oesophageal Varices
Oesophageal varices are enlarged veins in the lower esophagus. They often develop as a complication of liver disease, such as alcoholic liver disease. These varices can bleed without causing pain and can lead to significant haematemesis. If doctors suspect oesophageal varices, immediate hospital admission is necessary.
Severe Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Severe GORD, also known as acid reflux, involves stomach acid leaking into the esophagus. While common GORD causes heartburn, severe cases can irritate and erode the esophageal lining, leading to bleeding and vomiting blood.
Tear in the Oesophagus
Forceful and prolonged vomiting or retching can cause a tear in the lining of the esophagus, known as a Mallory-Weiss tear. This tear can result in bleeding and haematemesis.
Swallowed Blood
In some instances, vomiting blood may not originate from the digestive tract itself. For example, swallowing blood from a severe nosebleed can lead to blood in the vomit. It’s important to consider this possibility, although digestive causes are more common.
It’s important to remember that self-diagnosing the cause of vomiting blood is not advisable. Always seek professional medical assessment to determine the underlying issue and receive appropriate treatment.
Less Common Causes of Vomiting Blood
While the above causes are more frequent, vomiting blood can also be caused by less common conditions. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to rule out these and other potential causes.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing vomiting blood, seek immediate medical attention.
Adapted from original content from the NHS website.
