Blood in stool after vomiting: what to know

Vomiting can leave you dehydrated and may occur alongside an infection affecting the digestive tract. Bright red blood may come from the lower bowel or anus, while black, sticky stool can indicate bleeding higher in the digestive system. Inflammation, diverticular disease, bowel growths, and inflammatory bowel conditions can also cause rectal bleeding. The combination does not identify one diagnosis by itself.

Note the stool colour, amount, number of episodes, abdominal symptoms, fever, and whether the vomit itself contained blood or looked like coffee grounds. These details help a clinician separate digestive bleeding from swallowed blood or another source.

Arrange prompt medical advice rather than assuming the bleeding is only from retching. Sip oral fluids if you can keep them down, avoid alcohol, and do not take anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician has advised them. Keep a list of medicines, particularly blood thinners, and report any recent bowel changes or previous bleeding.

A clinician may check your circulation, abdomen, hydration, blood tests, and stool history. Further tests depend on the pattern and may include examination of the bowel. Treatment is guided by the source of bleeding, not by the vomiting alone.

Go to an emergency service now for a large amount of blood, black tar-like stool, fainting, confusion, cold or clammy skin, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek urgent help as well if you take blood-thinning medicine or feel rapidly worse.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, whether your medicines could worsen it, which tests are appropriate, and what changes should trigger emergency care. Bring the timing and appearance of both the stool and vomit.