Small bits of blood in vomit

Small red pieces or streaks may be clotted blood from the throat or food pipe after repeated vomiting. Blood can also come from stomach inflammation, an ulcer, swallowed blood from the nose or mouth, or a medicine-related irritation. Dark fragments or material resembling coffee grounds suggest blood has mixed with stomach contents.

Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer are among the conditions clinicians may consider when upper digestive bleeding has no simple explanation, especially when symptoms recur. A visual description cannot diagnose either condition.

Contact a doctor or urgent medical service today. Describe the colour, texture and amount, whether vomiting was forceful, and whether you have pain, heartburn, swallowing difficulty, black stools or unusual tiredness. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, particularly blood thinners.

Take small sips of fluid if they stay down. Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed anti-inflammatory painkillers, and do not eat large meals while active vomiting continues.

Seek emergency care for repeated blood, increasing volume, coffee-ground vomit, faintness, severe weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, severe chest or abdominal pain, black stools, or inability to drink. These symptoms can accompany significant bleeding or dehydration.

Ask what may have caused the bleeding, whether tests are needed to locate it, how to manage nausea safely, and which symptoms mean you should return immediately.