Light blood in vomit

Bright-red streaks may come from irritation or a small tear after forceful or repeated vomiting. Brown or coffee-ground material can indicate blood that has been altered in the stomach. Bleeding may also arise from the oesophagus or stomach, including ulcers, inflammation, medicines that irritate the lining, or less commonly a tumour. Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer can present with vomiting blood, but this symptom alone does not identify its cause.

Arrange urgent medical advice today, especially if the blood has returned, you feel unwell, or you take medicines that affect clotting. Note the colour and amount, how often you vomited, recent retching, abdominal pain, black stools, medicines, and alcohol use. Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a clinician has advised them. A clinician may check your vital signs and blood tests and decide whether further examination is needed.

Call emergency services for heavy or ongoing bleeding, fainting, confusion, cold clammy skin, rapid breathing, severe abdominal or chest pain, black tar-like stools, or marked weakness. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Even a small amount needs prompt assessment when accompanied by dizziness, breathlessness, or worsening pain.

Where might the blood be coming from? Could my medicines or repeated vomiting have irritated the lining? Do I need blood tests or an examination of the upper digestive tract? Which warning signs mean I should return immediately? What should I avoid eating, drinking, or taking until the cause is clear?