Pink blood in vomit: what to know

Blood mixed with vomit may look pink, red, or brown and may come from irritation after forceful retching, a nosebleed that was swallowed, or bleeding in the upper digestive tract. A small streak still deserves attention because colour does not show how serious the cause is.

Possible sources include inflammation, an ulcer, a tear caused by vomiting, or bleeding from the oesophagus or stomach. Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer are possible causes but are not identified by this symptom alone. A clinician may need to examine you and arrange tests.

Stop eating solid food until you have received medical advice, and take small sips only if a clinician says this is safe. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a healthcare professional has told you to do so. Keep a note of the colour, amount, medicines, and any recent retching.

Arrange urgent medical assessment rather than waiting to see whether it happens again. If you take blood thinners, have liver disease, or have had previous digestive bleeding, tell the service immediately.

Call emergency services for ongoing or large-volume blood, black stools, dizziness, fainting, confusion, pale clammy skin, fast breathing, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Do not drive yourself if you feel weak or light-headed.

Tell the clinician when it began, whether retching came first, what medicines you use, and whether you have pain, black stools, weight change, or trouble swallowing. Ask which tests are needed and which medicines or foods to avoid.