Gastroenteritis and blood in vomit: what to know

Repeated retching can irritate or tear small blood vessels in the throat or food pipe, so streaks of fresh red blood may appear after forceful vomiting. Dark brown or coffee-ground material can represent blood that has been altered by stomach acid. Gastroenteritis itself commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever, but visible blood should not be assumed to be part of an ordinary infection. Severe vomiting can also worsen fluid loss and lead to Dehydration.

Stop solid food temporarily if vomiting continues, but take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down. Do not take leftover antibiotics, aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician has advised them. Note the colour and approximate amount of blood, how often you have vomited, and whether you have black stools, dizziness or severe abdominal pain. Arrange urgent medical advice today and take any medicines with you.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately for a large amount of blood, repeated bloody vomiting, faintness, confusion, cold clammy skin, fast breathing, severe weakness, black tar-like stools, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone taking blood thinners need a particularly low threshold for urgent evaluation.

Ask whether the bleeding could be from forceful retching or another digestive-tract problem, whether tests are needed, and which fluids and medicines are safe while vomiting settles. Mention recent travel, sick contacts, alcohol use, ulcers, liver disease, blood-thinning medicines and any recent injury.