What should you know about blood in stool and throwing up?

Vomiting may result from Gastroenteritis, irritation of the stomach, or a more serious upper digestive bleed. Blood in vomit can be red or resemble coffee grounds; black, tarry stool suggests that blood has travelled through the digestive tract. Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis can also present with bleeding and digestive symptoms. These symptoms do not identify one condition on their own.

Seek prompt medical advice and describe whether the stool was bright red, maroon, or black, and whether vomit contained streaks, clots, or coffee-ground material. Keep the sample or a clear description if possible. Take small sips of fluid only if you can swallow safely. Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory painkillers, and do not drive if dizzy or weak. Bring your medicine list.

Call emergency services for vomiting blood, coffee-ground vomit, black tarry stool, fainting, severe weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, cold clammy skin, or intense abdominal pain. Repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or worsening bleeding also needs emergency assessment. Do not wait for the symptoms to settle if you feel unwell.

Could this be bleeding from the stomach or bowel? Which medicines should I avoid? Do I need tests today? What symptoms mean I should return immediately?