Nausea with blood

Bright red blood, dark material that looks like coffee grounds, or vomit mixed with blood can come from the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, or nearby tissues. Forceful retching can irritate or tear tissue; gastritis, an ulcer, acid reflux, or another digestive problem can also bleed. Blood that was swallowed from a nosebleed may look similar. Black, tarry stool, dizziness, weakness, pale or clammy skin, and upper-abdominal pain can signal significant blood loss. The appearance and amount cannot safely determine the cause at home.

Stop eating and drinking large amounts while arranging medical advice, and do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell. Note whether the blood was vomited, coughed up, or came from the nose or gums; record its colour and any medicines such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, or blood thinners. Do not take extra painkillers or anti-nausea medicine unless a clinician advises it. Keep a medication list available.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now for ongoing or heavy bleeding, coffee-ground vomit, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, rapid breathing, severe abdominal or chest pain, black stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Even a small amount should be assessed promptly if you take a blood thinner, have liver disease, or the bleeding has happened more than once. Do not wait for nausea to improve before seeking help.

Tell the clinician when it began, what the blood looked like, whether you retched, and which medicines you use; ask what tests and treatment are needed.