Blood
Vomiting
What is blood vomiting?
Blood vomiting, also called hematemesis, means throwing up blood from the stomach or food pipe (esophagus). The blood may appear bright red if bleeding is fast or coffee-colored if the bleeding is slow and mixed with stomach acid.
How do I feel if I vomit blood?
You may notice:
- Red or coffee-colored blood in your vomit
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting (due to blood loss)
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Black or tarry stools (if blood passes into the intestine)
It is a medical emergency and needs immediate medical attention.
What causes blood vomiting?
Common causes include:
- Stomach ulcers or erosions
- Severe gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Cancers of the stomach or food pipe
- Liver diseases causing vein swelling in the food pipe (varices)
- Overuse of painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines
- Tears in the food pipe after forceful vomiting (Mallory-Weiss tear), especially after heavy alcohol intake
What is the treatment for blood vomiting?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity:
- Emergency stabilization with IV fluids and blood transfusion if needed
- Endoscopy to find and stop the source of bleeding
- Medications to reduce stomach acid and control bleeding
- Surgery or other procedures if endoscopy cannot control bleeding
⚠️ Important: Vomiting blood is a serious symptom. Seek immediate medical help — do not delay or try home remedies.