Fever and throwing up blood: what to know

Blood may look bright red, dark brown, or like coffee grounds. It can arise from the throat or food pipe after forceful retching, or from bleeding higher in the stomach or upper intestine. Fever may accompany an infection, inflammation, or another illness, but it does not identify the source of bleeding by itself.

Tell the clinician how much blood you saw, its colour, how often you vomited, and whether you have abdominal pain, diarrhoea, black stools, faintness, or take medicines that affect bleeding. Conditions such as COVID-19 or cellulitis may cause fever, but blood in vomit requires separate assessment.

Arrange urgent medical care today. Do not drive if you feel faint. Sit upright or lie on your side if you may vomit again, and keep a sample or photograph of the vomit if it can be done safely. Avoid alcohol and avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician has told you to use them. Do not eat or drink large amounts while waiting; follow the receiving service’s instructions.

Call emergency services now for ongoing or heavy bleeding, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, cold clammy skin, severe chest or abdominal pain, or vomit resembling coffee grounds. Emergency assessment is also needed when a child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a bleeding disorder is affected. Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, or rapidly worsening illness adds urgency.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, whether blood tests or an internal examination are needed, which medicines to pause, and what warning signs should prompt immediate return.