Vomiting food and blood: what it can mean and what to do

Bright red blood can indicate fresh bleeding, while brown or grainy material resembling coffee grounds can be partly digested blood. Forceful retching may irritate or tear the lining near the throat, but bleeding can also come from the stomach or upper digestive tract. Food poisoning, gastroenteritis, alcohol irritation, ulcers, and some medicines are possible contexts. The appearance alone cannot identify the source.

Stop eating until you have received advice, and do not drink alcohol. If you are alert and not actively vomiting, take only small sips of water while arranging care; do not force fluids. Keep a note or photograph of the vomit if safe, and take a list of medicines, especially aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, or blood thinners. Do not drive yourself if dizzy, faint, or weak.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for a large amount of blood, repeated bloody vomiting, black stools, fainting, confusion, cold clammy skin, fast breathing, severe abdominal pain, or inability to stand safely. Even a small streak should receive prompt medical advice, particularly after repeated retching or if you take a blood thinner.

Tell the clinician when the bleeding began, its colour and amount, whether retching came first, and whether you have pain, black stools, dizziness, or weight loss. Ask whether your medicines or a digestive condition could be contributing and what warning signs should bring you back urgently.