Vomiting blood terminology: what the words mean

Haematemesis means bringing up blood with vomit. The blood may look bright red, dark red, or like brown coffee grounds. Coffee-ground vomit usually reflects blood that has remained in the stomach long enough for stomach acid to change its appearance. Blood swallowed from the mouth or nose can also be vomited, so the source needs assessment.

Possible causes include irritation or a tear after forceful retching, an ulcer, inflammation, or bleeding from the oesophagus or stomach. Vomiting blood is not a diagnosis of cancer; conditions such as oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer are among the problems a clinician may consider alongside more common causes.

Treat any episode as a reason to obtain prompt medical advice, even if the bleeding has stopped. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Note the colour and approximate amount, whether retching came first, and any medicines such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, or blood thinners. Take your medicine list with you and avoid alcohol until assessed.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately if bleeding is ongoing or heavy, or if you have faintness, confusion, severe weakness, fast breathing, chest pain, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty staying awake. These signs can accompany significant blood loss or another serious illness.

Ask: Where might the blood have come from? Could a medicine or repeated retching have contributed? Do I need blood tests or an endoscopy? Which medicines should I pause or continue while the cause is checked?