Throwing up blood with ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the colon and commonly presents with diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency, or blood passed with stool. Vomiting blood comes from the upper digestive tract or may be coughed up and swallowed, so it should not automatically be attributed to a colitis flare. Repeated vomiting, gastritis, an ulcer, medicine irritation, or another illness may be involved. Tell the clinician whether the blood was vomited or coughed up, and whether you have worsening bowel symptoms, fever, reduced urine, or dizziness.

Contact urgent medical care now, particularly if bleeding is ongoing or you feel weak. Continue prescribed ulcerative colitis medicine unless the treating clinician tells you to change it, but do not add ibuprofen, aspirin, steroids, or another treatment without advice. Bring your medicine list and note the timing, colour, and amount of blood. If you cannot keep fluids down, take only small sips while arranging care and do not delay assessment.

Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding, black stools, rapid worsening diarrhoea, very little urine, or breathing difficulty. A flare may cause substantial fluid loss, while vomiting blood may indicate a different source; both problems can need treatment at the same time. A GP consultation can help coordinate follow-up after the immediate danger has been assessed.

Is this more consistent with vomiting blood or swallowed blood from coughing? Could my medicines or a separate stomach problem be involved? Which colitis treatments should I continue? Do I need tests now, and when should colorectal cancer screening be discussed?