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Published on: 4/7/2025

What Could Be the Causes of Vomiting Blood and When Should I Seek Help?

Vomiting blood, or hematemesis, can be caused by problems like a tear, an ulcer, or bleeding in the digestive tract. It is important to seek help right away if you notice this symptom along with other warning signs.

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Explanation

Vomiting blood means you may have bleeding in your upper digestive system, such as in your stomach or esophagus. This condition is called hematemesis. One common cause is a small tear, sometimes from intense vomiting, which is known as a Mallory-Weiss tear. Other possible reasons are stomach ulcers or blood vessel problems (like esophageal varices) that can bleed more seriously. While sometimes a minor tear might clear up on its own, other causes represent more serious conditions. Look for warning signs like dizziness, feeling very weak, a rapid heartbeat, or if the blood looks bright red or like coffee grounds. These symptoms can indicate a significant loss of blood or ongoing bleeding and should result in you calling emergency services immediately. If you notice any of these problems when you vomit blood, it is important to get medical help immediately by calling your doctor or going to an emergency room. Early medical evaluation can help find out the cause and decide on the right treatment, which is crucial for your health.

(References)

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK411/
  • Kim BS, Li BT, Engel A, Samra JS, Clarke S, Norton ID, Li AE. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding: A practical guide for clinicians. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2014 Nov 15;5(4):467-78. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v5.i4.467. PMID: 25400991; PMCID: PMC4231512.

  • Boysen SR. Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine. 2015:630–4. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4557-0306-7.00119-7. Epub 2014 Jun 25. PMCID: PMC7152172.

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