Blood mixed with vomit

It may appear as red streaks, pools or clots, or dark granules similar to coffee grounds. The pattern helps clinicians plan assessment, yet it cannot reliably reveal the source without examining you and, when indicated, testing the upper digestive tract.

Bleeding may begin in the mouth or throat, the oesophagus, the stomach, or the first part of the small bowel. Repeated vomiting can damage surface tissue, while inflammation, ulcers, enlarged veins, or a growth are other possibilities. Vomiting blood can be a presentation of oesophageal cancer or stomach cancer, but the symptom is not specific to cancer. Swallowed blood from a nosebleed can sometimes later appear in vomit as well.

Seek urgent medical advice. Tell the clinician when vomiting began, how often it happened, what the blood looked like, and whether you have black stools, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or recent retching. Share any history of ulcers, liver disease, cancer, nosebleeds, or digestive procedures. Provide the names of blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, supplements, and cancer medicines you take.

Call emergency services if there is ongoing bleeding, a large amount of blood, black tar-like stools, fainting, confusion, severe chest or abdominal pain, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or pale clammy skin. These features can accompany significant blood loss. Sit or lie somewhere safe while help is arranged, and have another person stay with you if possible.

Ask whether the source was identified, whether an endoscopy or repeat blood test is planned, and how to use prescribed acid-reducing or anti-sickness medicine. Check when to restart any medicine that was withheld and what changes in vomit, stool, pain, or dizziness should prompt immediate reassessment.