Vomiting thick blood: what to know and do

Blood may look bright red, dark, brown, or like coffee grounds. A thick appearance or clot can mean blood has collected before being brought up. It may come from irritation or a tear in the throat or food pipe after forceful vomiting, or from bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Severe stomach pain, black stools, dizziness, weakness, or fainting can indicate that the bleeding is affecting your circulation. The appearance alone cannot identify the source.

Do not assume that a recent stomach illness explains the blood. Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis, or another condition can coexist with bleeding, but a clinician needs to assess you directly.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, confused, weak, or unsteady. Sit upright or lie on your side if you might vomit again, and keep someone with you. Do not eat, drink alcohol, or take aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician tells you to. Bring a list of medicines, especially blood thinners, and note the colour and approximate amount of blood. If possible, keep a photo for the medical team without delaying care.

Seek emergency care immediately for any blood in vomit, repeated vomiting, large clots, black stools, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, pale or clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or confusion. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone taking a blood thinner need especially prompt assessment. Symptoms can worsen after a brief pause, so do not wait to see whether the next vomit is clear.

Ask where the bleeding may have started, whether you need blood tests or a camera examination, which medicines to stop or continue, and how to recognise another bleed after you leave. Tell the team about recent retching, alcohol use, liver disease, ulcers, and every medicine or supplement you take.