Vomiting blood with food: what to know

Blood may look bright red, dark brown, or like coffee grounds. Food can make the appearance harder to judge. Possible sources include irritation or a tear in the oesophagus, bleeding from the stomach lining, or another upper digestive problem. Cancer of the oesophagus or stomach is one possible cause, but vomiting blood does not by itself identify the cause.

A clinician may ask when the bleeding began, how much was seen, whether there was pain, and which medicines you take. Assessment can include observations, blood tests, and a camera test of the upper digestive tract when appropriate.

Seek urgent medical advice today, even if the bleeding has stopped. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or weak. Avoid alcohol and do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a clinician has specifically told you to use them. Keep a list of medicines, including blood thinners, and note the colour and approximate amount of blood.

Call emergency services immediately for repeated vomiting of blood, black stools, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal or chest pain, fast breathing, cold clammy skin, or marked weakness. These signs can occur when blood loss affects circulation. Do not wait for a routine appointment if any of them are present.

Ask what might be causing the bleeding, whether your medicines increase bleeding risk, which tests are needed, and what warning signs should bring you back urgently.