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Vomiting blood - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
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Vomiting blood

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Hematemesis; Blood in the vomit

Definition    Return to top

Vomiting blood is a backward flowing (regurgitation) of blood through the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The upper GI tract includes the stomach, mouth, throat, esophagus (the swallowing tube), and the first part of the small intestine.

Considerations    Return to top

Vomiting blood results from upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between vomiting blood and coughing up blood (from the lung) or a nosebleed.

Conditions that cause vomiting blood can also cause blood in the stool.

Causes    Return to top

There are several reasons why someone may vomit blood. For example, vomiting that is very forceful or continues for a very long time may cause a tear in the small blood vessels of the throat or the esophagus, producing streaks of blood in the vomit.

Other causes may include:

Home Care    Return to top

Although not all situations are the result of a major medical problem, this is difficult to know without a medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if vomiting of blood occurs -- this requires immediate medical evaluation.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

Tests that may be done include:

If you have vomited a lot of blood, emergency treatment may be needed. This may include:

References    Return to top

Overton DT. Gastrointestinal bleeding. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill; 2006:chap 74.

Update Date: 1/16/2009

Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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