Chest pain and throwing up blood

Blood in vomit may look bright red, dark brown or like coffee grounds. Irritation of the stomach lining, Gastritis, or a bleeding Peptic Ulcer can cause it; forceful retching can also injure the food pipe and produce chest discomfort. Acid Reflux may irritate the upper digestive tract, but it does not make vomiting blood safe to watch at home. Chest pain may have a separate heart or lung cause, including Angina or Pneumonia. A clinician needs to assess the colour and amount of blood, circulation, breathing and abdominal symptoms.

Call emergency services now. Keep the person sitting or lying safely on their side if they feel faint or may vomit again. Do not eat, drink alcohol, or take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless an emergency clinician specifically advises it. Keep any medicine packets available and, if possible, note what the vomit looked like and when it happened. Do not travel alone or drive yourself.

Treat the situation as immediately urgent if there is ongoing bleeding, black stool, severe or worsening pain, dizziness, fainting, confusion, clammy skin, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing. Chest pressure spreading to the arm, jaw or back may indicate a heart emergency. Coughing blood rather than vomiting blood can point to a different problem, such as Pulmonary Embolism, and also requires emergency help. Do not wait for symptoms to settle.

Where might the blood be coming from? Could any of my medicines increase bleeding? Do I need tests to check my blood count or the food pipe and stomach? Which symptoms should my family watch for after treatment?