Physical Health
Vomiting Blood
Overview
Vomiting blood, also known as hematemesis, is the vomiting of blood or blood clots.
There are several types of causes for vomiting blood, including:
- Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining can cause bleeding and lead to vomiting blood
- Ulcers: sores that form on the stomach or small intestine can cause bleeding and lead to vomiting blood
- Esophagitis: inflammation of the oesophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach can cause bleeding and lead to vomiting blood
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: any bleeding that occurs in the stomach or intestinal tract can cause vomiting blood
- Liver disease: conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can cause bleeding in the stomach or oesophagus and lead to vomiting blood
- Cancer: tumours in the stomach, oesophagus, or liver can cause bleeding and lead to vomiting blood
Symptoms of vomiting blood can include blood in vomit, dark or black-coloured stools, dizziness, and fainting.
Diagnosis of vomiting blood typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, endoscopy, and imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI.
Treatment for vomiting blood depends on the underlying cause and can range from medication to control bleeding, to surgery to remove a tumour or repair an ulcer. In cases of liver disease, treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition such as viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease and addressing the complications such as cirrhosis.
It’s important to note that vomiting blood can be a symptom of a serious condition, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience vomiting blood.
To discuss diagnosis and treatment options, please book an appointment with our specialist.
To learn more about appendicitis, please click on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vomiting-blood/
Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych
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