Abdominal pain and throwing up blood

Blood may look bright red, dark red, or like wet coffee grounds. Do not wait to see whether it happens again, even if the pain eases.

Vomited blood usually comes from bleeding in the oesophagus, stomach, or first part of the small intestine. Possible explanations include an ulcer, inflammation of the stomach lining, a tear after forceful retching, or enlarged veins in the oesophagus. Swallowed blood from a nosebleed can sometimes appear in vomit, but abdominal pain still warrants urgent evaluation.

Clinicians use the colour and amount of blood, the pain location, medicines, alcohol use, liver history, recent vomiting, and bowel changes to narrow the cause. Gastritis can present with upper abdominal discomfort and bleeding, but the symptom combination cannot be diagnosed safely at home.

Arrange emergency transport or have another adult take you to an emergency department. Do not drive if you feel faint, weak, confused, or unsteady. If you are alone or becoming less alert, call emergency services.

Avoid food and drink until a clinician advises otherwise, because urgent tests or treatment may be needed. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines such as ibuprofen unless an emergency clinician specifically directs you. Bring your medicine list and, if practical, note what the vomit looked like and when it occurred.

Call emergency services immediately for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, rapid or difficult breathing, pale clammy skin, a swollen or rigid abdomen, severe worsening pain, or continued vomiting of blood. Black, sticky stools can also signal digestive-tract bleeding.

Lie on your side if you may vomit again, especially if drowsy, and have someone stay with you. A person who becomes unconscious but is breathing should be placed in the recovery position while emergency help is on the way.

Ask where the bleeding was found, whether any medicine may have contributed, what treatment was given, and which symptoms should bring you back urgently. Confirm when you may restart regular medicines and what follow-up tests or appointments are needed.