Dark blood in vomit after drinking

Do not assume alcohol alone explains it. Stop drinking, avoid food and drink while arranging care, and do not drive yourself if you feel faint, weak or confused.

Blood that has remained in the stomach may turn dark brown or look like coffee grounds. Possible sources include an inflamed stomach lining, an ulcer, a tear caused by forceful vomiting, or enlarged veins in the oesophagus associated with liver disease. Swallowed blood from the nose or mouth can sometimes look similar.

Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer can present with bleeding, but vomited blood does not identify the cause. A clinician may use blood tests, examination and a camera test of the upper digestive tract to locate the bleeding.

Seek emergency medical care even if the bleeding appears to have stopped. If possible, note whether the material was bright red, dark red or coffee-ground-like, approximately how much appeared, and whether there was black stool or abdominal pain. Tell the team what and how much you drank, when vomiting began, and whether retching came first.

Bring a list of medicines, especially aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, blood thinners and supplements. Do not take extra medicine to settle the symptoms unless a clinician directs you.

Call emergency services for repeated or heavy bleeding, collapse, faintness, confusion, severe weakness, rapid breathing, clammy or pale skin, severe chest or abdominal pain, or black tar-like stool. These signs can accompany substantial blood loss or ongoing bleeding.

Someone who is drowsy or actively vomiting should lie on their side while help is coming to reduce the chance of choking. Stay with them and do not give alcohol, food or drink.

Ask where the bleeding may be coming from, whether an endoscopy is needed, which medicines should be paused or continued, and whether liver or stomach problems require follow-up. Also ask what changes in vomit, stool, pain or alertness should trigger another emergency call.