Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Vomiting blood

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Hematemesis; Blood in the vomit


Home Care

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.


Call your health care provider if

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


What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

  • When did the vomiting begin?
  • Have you ever vomited blood before?
  • How much blood was in the vomit?
  • What color was the blood? (Bright red or like coffee grounds?)
  • Have you had any recent nosebleeds, surgeries, dental work, vomiting, stomach problems, or severe coughing?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • What medical conditions do you have?
  • What medicines do you take?
  • Do you drink alcohol or smoke?

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistries, blood clotting tests, and liver function tests
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
  • Nuclear medicine scan
  • Rectal examination
  • Tube through the nose into the stomach to check for blood
  • X-rays

If you have vomited a lot of blood, you may need emergency treatment, which may include:

  • Blood transfusions
  • Fluids through a vein
  • Medications to decrease stomach acid
  • Possible surgery if bleeding does not stop

Review Date: 01/07/2011
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)