Blood vomiting and liver disease: what to know

The blood may be bright red, dark, or mixed with vomit that looks like coffee grounds. It can come from the food pipe, stomach, or nearby upper digestive tract. Liver disease can raise pressure in veins around the food pipe and stomach, where fragile vessels may bleed. Other causes include irritation after repeated retching, an ulcer, or inflammation. The appearance alone cannot identify the source.

Stop eating and drinking until a clinician advises you, and do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Keep any medication list nearby, including medicines that affect bleeding. Note the colour and approximate amount of blood, when it began, and whether stools are black or tar-like. Do not take leftover medicine to suppress vomiting or pain without advice.

Seek emergency care immediately for any vomiting of blood, especially if it is repeated or accompanied by dizziness, fainting, confusion, clammy skin, severe weakness, fast breathing, abdominal pain, or black stools. These signs can indicate significant blood loss. Call emergency services if you cannot stay awake, have trouble breathing, or are too weak to stand.

Ask what may be bleeding, whether liver disease changes your risk, which tests are needed, and which medicines or foods to avoid while you are being assessed. Ask what symptoms should send you straight back to emergency care.