This article covers the possible causes of vomiting blood, how vomiting blood is treated and diagnosed, the complications and risks of vomiting blood, and when to get help.
Symptoms of Vomiting Blood
Blood that appears in vomit may look like:
Dark or light red or brown blood with foodBlood without foodDark coffee-ground-like pellets
Causes of Vomiting Blood
Vomiting blood can be a result of long periods of vomiting or part of an underlying health issue. Common causes of vomiting blood are:
Gastritis, or when the stomach’s lining is swollen: Causes of gastritis include bacterial infection, heavy alcohol use, or over-the-counter painkillers. Ulcers in the stomach, esophagus, or intestine: Stomach ulcers are sores in the stomach’s walls caused by acid that is meant to digest food. They can be caused by bacteria or over-the-counter painkillers. Acid reflux or heartburn: Acid reflux occurs when the esophagus doesn’t close completely, and food that goes into the stomach goes back into the esophagus, causing irritation. Esophagus damage from long periods of vomiting or coughing.
Other causes of vomiting blood include:
Bleeding veins in the esophagus and stomach: Liver damage can cause swollen veins that can bleed with vomiting. Tears in blood vessels in the throat: Long periods of vomiting can tear blood vessels in the throat.
What Medications Can Cause Vomiting Blood?
Medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause gastritis or ulcers that could lead to vomiting blood. Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) can also cause vomiting or coughing that may include bright or dark blood.
How to Treat Vomiting Blood
If blood appears in someone’s vomit, seeking help immediately is advisable, including an emergency room visit. In an emergency situation, treatment for vomiting blood might require:
Blood transfusionsFluidsSurgeryMedications for stomach acidOxygen
To treat underlying health issues that can cause blood in vomit, a healthcare professional might recommend or prescribe:
Avoiding NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen to prevent ulcers, acid buildup, or damage to the GI tract Antacid medication to reduce stomach acid (like Prilosec, Pepcid, or Zantac) Antibiotics to kill stomach bacteria that might cause ulcers or medications to prevent or treat ulcers Changing lifestyle habits to treat stomach acid, like quitting smoking, dietary changes, or elevating the head when sleeping Medications to protect the lining of the esophagus from acid reflux and irritation
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Vomiting Blood
If left untreated, conditions like stomach ulcers and gastritis can also result in life-threatening blood loss. Vomiting blood could also result in complications like:
Ulcers causing scarring, which can block the stomach from releasing food, or holes in the stomach or intestineHigher risk of gastric cancer in the case of untreated gastritisIn the case of acid reflux, the esophagus could become damaged, which could increase the likelihood of cancer
You might be more likely to experience vomiting blood if:
You’ve experienced vomiting that has been occurring for a long timeYou use pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin (NSAIDs) in excessYou’re taking blood-thinning medicationsYou have an increased risk of acid because of susceptibility to some foods (like coffee, alcohol, tomatoes, or chocolate), being overweight, smoking, stress, or pregnancy
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Vomiting Blood?
In the case of vomiting blood, a healthcare professional might diagnose the cause via:
Questions about diet, lifestyle, and the timeline of the bleeding Blood tests to check for blood count and chemistry Liver function tests: Blood tests to measure proteins and enzymes in the liver, which may indicate disease EGD (upper endoscopy): Inserting a tube with a tiny camera into the GI tract for examination A rectal examination: This can include using a tube with a camera to examine the colon’s contents Inserting a tube through the nose to test for blood in the stomach by using a suction device X-rays
When to See a Healthcare Provider for Vomiting Blood
If you notice blood in your own or someone else’s vomit, get medical attention immediately or go to an emergency room, especially with the following symptoms:
Dizziness, fainting, or feelings of confusion or being unwellChanges in breathingCold or clammy skinStomachacheBlack stools
Summary
Vomiting blood can occur with or without food. The condition can sometimes be the result of vomiting for a long time, which can result in torn blood vessels in the throat or damage to the GI tract, which includes the stomach, esophagus, and intestines. Causes of vomiting blood could also include health conditions like acid reflux, damage to the stomach or esophagus, liver problems, ulcers, gastritis, or medications like aspirin or ibuprofen or other (NSAIDs).
To diagnose the causes behind vomiting blood, a blood test, liver function test, or endoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the esophagus) might be necessary.
A Word From Verywell
If you see blood in vomit from yourself or a loved one, do seek medical attention immediately. Vomiting blood could indicate a dangerous condition, like internal bleeding, or it could result in blood loss or shock that can be life-threatening. The good news is that some conditions, like acid reflux or ulcers, can be helped with lifestyle changes and medications. However, blood in vomit should be treated as an urgent matter for which immediate medical attention is necessary.
