Gastritis and vomiting blood: what to know

Blood may look bright red, dark brown or like coffee grounds. Gastritis can irritate the stomach lining, but bleeding can also arise from an ulcer, a tear after forceful vomiting, liver-related bleeding or another condition. Small streaks after retching still deserve medical advice. Abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn may occur alongside bleeding, but the appearance of the blood does not show its exact source.

If you have vomited blood, contact emergency services or go to an emergency department now. Do not drive yourself if dizzy or weak. Do not eat or drink while waiting unless emergency clinicians tell you to, and take medication packaging with you. Tell the team about alcohol use, stomach symptoms, vomiting, and medicines such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers or blood thinners.

Treat fainting, confusion, cold clammy skin, severe weakness, rapid breathing, severe abdominal pain or black stools as urgent signs of possible significant bleeding. Even if the vomiting has stopped, arrange immediate assessment. The cause may include Gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, an alcohol-related problem or another upper-digestive condition.

Where might the bleeding have come from? Do my medicines increase bleeding risk? Will I need blood tests, a camera test or treatment for Helicobacter Pylori Infection? Which medicines should I avoid while this is being assessed?