The medical term for vomiting blood

It may describe fresh red blood, clots, red streaks, or dark coffee-ground-like material. Haematemesis is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, so the cause still needs to be found.

Haematemesis refers to blood brought up with vomit from the upper digestive tract. Haemoptysis means coughing up blood from the airways, often mixed with mucus or appearing frothy. Swallowed blood from the nose or mouth can also later be vomited.

Clinicians use the sequence of nausea, retching, coughing, or a nosebleed to help locate the source. Ulcers, inflammation, and tears after forceful vomiting are possible explanations. Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer can also present with haematemesis, though the term itself does not specify a cause.

Seek prompt assessment and explain whether blood followed vomiting, coughing, choking, or a nosebleed. Describe its colour and texture, estimate the amount, and say whether there were repeated episodes. Mention abdominal or chest pain, black stool, swallowing trouble, liver disease, and all medicines.

Bring an up-to-date medicine list, especially if you use anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory pain relief. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own unless the treating clinician directs you.

Emergency help is needed if blood is flowing or recurring, or if it accompanies faintness, collapse, confusion, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, pale clammy skin, intense chest or abdominal pain, or black tar-like stool. These signs can indicate substantial or continuing bleeding.

Do not drive when weak or dizzy. Lie down somewhere safe, ask another person to remain with you, and follow the emergency call handler's instructions.

Ask what source is suspected, how the team will distinguish vomiting blood from coughing blood, and whether an endoscopy or other test is appropriate. Check how your medicines will be managed and which warning signs require emergency reassessment.