What does vomiting blood mean?

Bright red blood may be fresh, while dark or coffee-ground material may have been altered by stomach acid. A small tear after repeated retching, an ulcer, inflammation, or swallowed blood from the nose or mouth can cause this symptom. Medicines that affect clotting or irritate the stomach can also matter.

Bleeding can occur with oesophageal cancer or stomach cancer, but vomiting blood does not establish either diagnosis. A clinician will consider the whole pattern, including pain, swallowing changes, weight change, bowel movements, medical history, and medicines.

Contact a healthcare service promptly, even if you now feel better. Keep the sample or a clear description of its appearance if possible, and record when it happened and whether retching came first. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers for this problem unless advised. Arrange help with travel if you feel weak or dizzy.

Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if blood continues, returns repeatedly, or is accompanied by fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, black stools, or unusual drowsiness. Do not wait for a routine appointment in these circumstances.

Ask what source is most concerning, whether blood tests or an endoscopy are appropriate, and how to manage medicines that affect bleeding. Mention any previous ulcers, liver disease, swallowing difficulty, or recent forceful vomiting.