Treatment for blood in vomit

Care may include stabilising circulation, medicines, an endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract, and a procedure to stop active bleeding. The choice depends on the amount and appearance of blood, your vital signs, medicines, and the suspected cause.

Bright-red blood may reflect recent bleeding, while dark brown or coffee-ground material can be blood altered by stomach acid. Possible sources include irritation or a tear after repeated retching, an ulcer, or bleeding from the oesophagus or stomach. Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer can present with upper digestive bleeding, but this symptom has several non-cancer causes and cannot identify the cause by itself.

Arrange urgent medical help and do not drive yourself if you feel faint, weak, confused, or unsteady. Note whether the material was bright red, streaked, clotted, or coffee-ground-like, and estimate the amount without delaying care. Bring a list of medicines, especially aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, anticoagulants, and cancer treatments. Avoid food and drink while waiting if emergency clinicians advise this, because a procedure may be needed.

Call emergency services for any substantial or continuing vomiting of blood, or when it occurs with black stools, severe abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, fainting, confusion, or marked weakness. Even a small amount warrants prompt clinical advice, particularly if you take a blood thinner, have liver disease, recently had upper digestive surgery, or are receiving cancer treatment.

Ask what source of bleeding is suspected, whether blood tests or endoscopy are needed, and whether any regular medicine should be paused or changed. You can also ask how the team will tell that bleeding has stopped and which symptoms should bring you back after discharge.