What should I do if I notice I'm throwing up blood?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Vomiting blood, known medically as hematemesis, is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention. It can indicate underlying conditions such as a bleeding ulcer, esophageal tears, liver disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The blood may appear bright red, dark red, or resemble coffee grounds, and any occurrence warrants urgent evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Because the causes range widely in severity, understanding your specific symptoms early can help you make informed decisions about care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better identify potential causes and guide your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what may cause blood in vomit Find out if vomiting blood needs urgent care Discover likely causes of throwing up blood See OTC options for nausea relief Find a doctor for vomiting blood Understand safe home remedies for vomiting Check if blood in vomit is serious

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Explanation

Throwing up blood, also known as hematemesis, can be a serious problem. It might look like bright red blood or resemble coffee grounds. This can happen for different reasons, including bleeding in the stomach or esophagus.

What to Do:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you notice blood in your vomit, it is important to get medical help as soon as possible.
Possible Causes: Vomiting blood can be due to conditions like bleeding ulcers or tears in the esophagus. You can use a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes of your symptoms before speaking with a healthcare provider.
Importance of Medical Evaluation: A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and provide treatment.

Remember, it is always better to be safe and get checked by a doctor if you notice something unusual like blood in your vomit.

(References)

Mogavero G, Imperiali G, Rondonotti E, Martegani A, Spinzi G, & Radaelli F. (2019). Haematemesis and acute dysphagia. Frontline gastroenterology, 31205649.
Schneider JR, Thomson JM, Fraser A, Vijayan B, Bassett P, & Leeds JS. (2020). Is coffee ground vomiting important? Findings from a large .... European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 32175981.
Takata T, Morita A, Nisimoto M, Iwamoto T, Takao K, & Tazumi K. (1990). [A case of sudden death from massive hematemesis due to .... Rinsho hoshasen. Clinical radiography, 2325295.

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