Blood while vomiting: what you should know

Blood may look bright red, dark brown, or like coffee grounds. A small streak can appear after repeated, forceful vomiting because the lining of the throat or food pipe has become irritated. Blood can also come from the stomach or upper intestine. The symptom itself does not identify the cause. Vomiting can occur with food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine, gallstones, or pancreatitis, but blood changes the level of concern. A clinician may ask about pain, alcohol use, medicines such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory tablets, and whether stools are black or tar-like.

Stop eating solid food until you have received advice, and take only small sips of water if you are alert and able to swallow. Do not drink alcohol or take anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a clinician tells you to. Note the colour and approximate amount of blood, how many times you vomited, and any medicines you use. Arrange urgent medical assessment today, even if the bleeding has stopped. Do not drive if you feel faint; ask someone to stay with you and bring your medicine list.

Call emergency services now for heavy or repeated bleeding, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, cold clammy skin, trouble breathing, severe chest or abdominal pain, or black stools. Emergency help is also needed if you cannot keep fluids down or feel that you may collapse. These signs can indicate significant blood loss or dehydration and should not be monitored at home.

Ask what may have caused the bleeding, whether you need blood tests or a camera examination, which medicines to pause, and how to replace fluids safely. Tell the clinician when the vomiting began, what the blood looked like, and whether you have had ulcers, liver disease, or previous digestive bleeding.