Blood in poop and vomit: what you need to know

Call emergency services now if the bleeding is heavy, you feel faint or confused, your skin is cold and clammy, breathing is difficult, or you have severe abdominal or chest pain. Do not drive yourself if you feel weak or dizzy.

Fresh blood in vomit may be bright red. Dark brown or black, grainy vomit can resemble coffee grounds because blood has been exposed to stomach acid. Black, sticky, unusually foul-smelling stool can reflect digested blood from higher in the digestive tract, while red blood may come from lower down.

Possible causes include irritation or a tear after forceful vomiting, an ulcer, inflamed tissue, enlarged veins, medicines that promote bleeding, or another digestive condition. Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer can present with bleeding, but these symptoms have other possible explanations. The colour alone cannot identify the source.

Arrange urgent assessment even if the bleeding has stopped. Note whether the material was bright red, dark, or coffee-ground-like; whether the stool was red or black; approximately how much you saw; and whether vomiting, pain, dizziness, or weakness occurred. A photograph can help if it is safe and practical.

Bring a list of medicines, especially blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, and supplements. Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own, but tell the assessing clinician about it promptly. Avoid alcohol until you have been assessed.

Seek emergency care for ongoing or repeated vomiting of blood, a large amount of blood, black tar-like stool with weakness, collapse, fainting, rapid breathing, a racing heartbeat, severe pain, or reduced alertness. These features may accompany significant blood loss or another serious problem.

While waiting for help, sit or lie somewhere safe. If you become very drowsy or continue vomiting, a companion should follow the emergency call handler's instructions and keep your airway protected.

Ask where the bleeding may be coming from, whether blood tests or a camera examination of the digestive tract are needed, how your medicines should be managed, and which changes should bring you straight back to emergency care. Mention trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent upper-abdominal discomfort, or repeated vomiting.