What should you do if you vomit blood?

Blood may look bright red, dark brown, or like coffee grounds. It can come from the food pipe, stomach, or upper small intestine, and swallowed blood from the nose or mouth can sometimes be mistaken for bleeding from the stomach. Causes include irritation, ulcers, inflammation, forceful retching, medicines that affect clotting, and less commonly cancers such as [Oesophageal Cancer](/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/) or [Stomach Cancer](/conditions/stomach-cancer/).

The appearance of the vomit cannot show how serious the bleeding is. Dizziness, faintness, weakness, clammy skin, fast breathing, black stools, or confusion may indicate significant blood loss or shock. Do not assume that a small amount is harmless or wait for it to happen again.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now, especially if bleeding is continuing, you feel faint, or you have severe pain or breathing trouble. Do not drive yourself if you feel weak or dizzy. Sit upright or lie on your side if you may vomit again, and keep a sample or photograph if it can be done safely.

Avoid food, alcohol, and non-prescribed medicines until a clinician advises you. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for this symptom unless a clinician specifically tells you to. Bring your medicine list, information about blood thinners, allergies, previous ulcers or liver disease, and details about the colour and amount of blood.

Vomiting blood itself is an emergency symptom and should be assessed immediately. Call for urgent help if you also have fainting, confusion, severe abdominal or chest pain, black tar-like stools, pale or clammy skin, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat. If the bleeding has stopped, still obtain same-day medical advice; a stopped bleed can start again.

Where is the bleeding likely to have started? Do I need blood tests or a camera examination? Could any of my medicines increase bleeding? What warning signs should bring me back immediately? When can I safely eat, drink, and restart regular medicines?