Vomiting blood

Alternative names:

blood in the vomit; hematemesis

Definition:

The regurgitation of blood from the stomach.

Considerations:

Vomiting blood results from upper gastrointestinal loss of blood (GI bleeding). This condition can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from coughing up blood (from the lung) or a nosebleed (bloody post nasal drainage).

Conditions that cause blood to be vomited can also cause blood in the stool.

Common causes:

• prolonged and vigorous retching (may cause a tear in the small blood vessels of the throat or the esophagus, producing streaks of blood in the vomitus)
• bleeding ulcer(s) located in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus
• irritation or erosion of the lining of the esophagus or stomach
• bleeding esophageal varices
• vascular malformations of the GI tract
• tumors of the stomach or esophagus
• esophagitis
• gastritis
• ingested blood (for example, swallowed after a nosebleed)
• gastroenteritis

Note: There may be other causes of vomiting blood. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for vomiting blood, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.