Crohn's disease and throwing up blood

The blood may be bright red, dark, or resemble coffee grounds. Crohn's disease mainly affects the bowel, so blood coming up with vomit can have another source, such as irritation or bleeding higher in the digestive system. Swallowed blood after a nosebleed can also appear in vomit. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Tell the clinician about abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, faintness, black stools, recent vomiting, and every medicine you take. Anti-inflammatory pain medicines can be relevant, so do not hide occasional or over-the-counter use.

If you are vomiting blood now, stop eating and drinking until an urgent clinician advises you, and arrange emergency care. Do not drive if you feel faint or weak. Keep a list of medicines and, if safe, note the colour and approximate amount of blood without delaying help.

A clinician may check your circulation, examine your abdomen, and arrange blood tests or other investigations. Bring information about your Crohn's treatment and any recent flare.

Call emergency services immediately for repeated vomiting of blood, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, rapid breathing, cold clammy skin, severe abdominal pain, or black tar-like stools. These can accompany significant digestive bleeding or shock.

Even a small amount of blood deserves prompt medical advice, particularly if it returns or you take medicines that affect bleeding. Do not wait for a routine Crohn's appointment.

Ask what source of bleeding is being considered, whether your Crohn's medicines should change, which pain relievers to avoid, and which symptoms should trigger emergency help.