Vomiting blood

• prolonged and vigorous retching (may cause a tear in the small blood vessels of the throat or the esophagus, producing streaks of blood in the vomitus)
• bleeding ulcer (s) located in the stomach, duodenum , or esophagus
• irritation or erosion of the lining of the esophagus or stomach
• bleeding esophageal varices
• vascular malformations of the GI tract
• tumors of the stomach or esophagus
• esophagitis
• gastritis
• ingested blood (for example, swallowed after a nosebleed)
• gastroenteritis

Note: There may be other causes of vomiting blood. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for vomiting blood, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
No matter what the cause, seek immediate medical care for this problem.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• vomiting blood occurs. This is an emergency situation, so call the doctor immediately or have someone drive the patient to the emergency room!

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the vomiting blood in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did this begin?
  • Has it ever occurred before?

• quality
  • How much blood was in the vomit ?
  • Was the vomit entirely blood?
  • Was the blood bright red, dark red or black?
  • Were there clots?
  • Was the vomit mostly liquid or was it thick or tarry?

• aggravating factors
  • Has there been a recent nosebleed?
  • Has there been recent vigorous vomiting ?
  • Has there been a recent episode of gastroenteritis ?
  • Has there been a recent episode of coughing ?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there bleeding from the nose , rectum, or elsewhere?
  • Is there abdominal pain ?
  • Is there blood in the stools or black stools ?
  • Is there weakness or fatigue ?
  • Is there coughing?
  • Is there coughing up blood ?

• additional important information
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Have there been any recent injuries to the nose, mouth, or abdomen?
  • Have there been any recent surgical procedures?
  • Have there been any recent dental procedures such as tooth extractions?
  • Is there a history of bulimia or self-induced vomiting?
  • Is there a history of ulcers , esophageal varices , or liver problems?
  • Is there a history of problems with blood clotting?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• endoscopy ( EGD )
• CBC

Intervention:
If massive hematemesis, emergency intervention should be anticipated. This may include intravenous fluids, medications, blood transfusions, or other treatments. As the bleeding diminishes, frequent doses of antacids may be given by nasogastric tube. Medications to decrease stomach acid may be prescribed.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to vomiting blood to your personal medical record.