Overview Of Vomiting Blood
At any time that a person starts to vomit blood, this is considered a medical emergency. The person should go to their nearest medical clinic to get help. This is a serious medical condition that needs to be looked at right away. This could mean that you are bleeding somewhere in the stomach or in the first part of your intestines. The medical name for vomiting blood is hematemesis.
When a person has this, the amount and color of the blood can vary. A person could vomit large amounts of red blood, while others may find blood mixed with food, and there are those who find blood that is the appearance of ground coffee. When this happens, try to secure a sample for the doctor to see, as this can give them a better idea of what is going on.
Unless there is an obvious reason for this, such as swallowing blood from a nose bleed, the doctor will admit you right away. They will then use tests to determine what could be wrong. These tests will include a blood test and endoscopy, in which they put a camera into the digestive tract to see what is going on. The doctor is wanting to confirm that you vomited blood that was in the digestive tract and not from your lungs, which could signal another problem.
Blood that is swallowed, for instance, from a nosebleed or powerful coughing, might result in blood in the vomit, but actually vomiting blood generally signifies something more severe and needs instant medical assistance. Bleeding in your upper intestinal region (mouth, throat, abdominal and upper small intestine) from intestinal ulcers or ripped blood vessels is also a cause that may lead to blood in your vomit.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if vomiting blood causes dizziness after standing, rapid, shallow breathing or other signs of shock.
Common Causes of Vomiting Blood
There are some common reasons why a person may vomit blood:
- Stomach ulcers or severe gastritis
In most cases, these are the main culprits for vomiting blood. The person may often have a burning or gnawing feeling in their stomach. The blood is due to the ulcer-causing inflammation to an artery.
- Oesophageal viruses
This is enlarged veins in the lower part of the stomach that bleed, but they are not causing any pain. This issue is often caused by liver disease from alcohol. If this is the case, you will be admitted immediately.
- Tear in the oesophagus
This often happens when the person has retching and vomiting. It can tear the oesophagus, causing the appearance of blood in the vomit.