Small amount of bright red blood in vomit

Bright red blood suggests fresh bleeding. It may follow irritation or injury from repeated retching, but it can also be a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract.

Blood can be swallowed from a bleeding nose, gum, mouth, or throat and then appear during vomiting. When the source is lower down, inflammation, an ulcer, a tear after forceful vomiting, or enlarged veins in the oesophagus are among the possibilities.

Cancers of the oesophagus or stomach can sometimes bleed, but vomiting blood alone does not identify the cause. Symptoms such as trouble swallowing, ongoing indigestion, early fullness, or unexplained weight loss give a clinician useful context.

Seek same-day medical advice, even if the bleeding has stopped. Note the colour and approximate amount, whether vomiting or retching happened first, and any medicines you take, including blood-thinning medicines, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, and supplements.

Avoid alcohol and do not take another dose of an anti-inflammatory pain medicine unless a clinician who knows your situation advises it. If possible, have someone stay with you while you arrange assessment.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now if vomiting blood continues, the amount increases, or you feel faint, confused, weak, short of breath, or have chest or severe abdominal pain. Black, tar-like stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds also need urgent assessment.

Urgency is based on the bleeding and how unwell you feel, not on guessing its cause. Do not drive yourself if you are dizzy or feel close to fainting.

Ask whether the bleeding could be from the mouth or nose, whether your medicines could contribute, and whether you need blood tests or a camera examination of the upper digestive tract. Tell the clinician about liver disease, previous ulcers, reflux symptoms, recent retching, and any change in swallowing or appetite.