Reasons Why You Vomit Blood

Vomiting blood can come from bleeding in the oesophagus, stomach, or upper intestine and needs urgent medical assessment, especially with weakness, dizziness, or black stools. The blood may look bright red, dark brown, or like coffee grounds. Even a small-looking amount can be difficult to judge at home. Swallowed blood from a nosebleed or mouth injury can also appear in vomit, but the source should not be assumed without an assessment.

Possible causes include irritation or a tear in the oesophagus after forceful or repeated vomiting, inflammation of the stomach lining, a stomach ulcer, or enlarged veins that bleed in the oesophagus or stomach. Medicines that affect clotting or irritate the stomach can increase concern. Less commonly, a tumour in the oesophagus or stomach can bleed; oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer are conditions a clinician may consider alongside many non-cancer causes. The appearance of the vomit cannot identify the cause by itself.

Seek urgent medical care now rather than waiting to see whether the bleeding stops. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or weak. Keep a note of when the vomiting began, how the blood looked, whether vomiting came first, and any medicines or supplements you take. Do not take alcohol or anti-inflammatory pain medicines while waiting for advice. Bring medication packaging if you attend an emergency department, and tell the team about liver disease, previous ulcers, cancer treatment, or medicines that affect bleeding.

Call emergency services immediately if vomiting blood is accompanied by fainting, confusion, severe weakness, trouble breathing, chest or abdominal pain, cold or clammy skin, or a fast heartbeat. Black, tar-like stools, ongoing vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down also require urgent care. These signs can occur when blood loss or dehydration is affecting the body. If the bleeding has stopped and you feel well, contact a clinician urgently for assessment rather than arranging routine follow-up.

Ask what source of bleeding is most likely, whether you need blood tests or a camera examination of the upper digestive tract, and which medicines you should pause or continue. You can also ask what warning signs should send you back to emergency care and whether symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion, unintentional weight loss, or repeated vomiting need further investigation.