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Hematemesis, another name for vomiting blood, is a serious health condition that has to be treated immediately. It is a symptom of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal system, which consists of the stomach, oesophagus, and first section of the small intestine.
The blood's appearance—bright red or black like coffee grounds—can provide insight into the extent and cause of the bleeding. Some causes can be minor and others that can be life-threatening. Never overlook blood in your vomit, and get medical help as soon as possible to ensure an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment.
Speak with your doctor to determine the cause and continue your journey to ideal health. It can indicate a hazardous health condition. Alternatively, schedule a visit for a comprehensive assessment and appropriate care. It's essential to your health, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Book an appointment with our expert doctors to get yourself checked
Although one of the main hematemesis symptoms is blood in the vomit, additional symptoms may also occur depending on the primary cause. They may consist of:
Blood in vomit: This may seem dark brown, like coffee grounds, indicating older blood, or bright red, indicating fresh bleeding.
Nausea and vomiting: These often go along with the blood.
Vomiting of food or other material: You can throw up the blood and the contents of your stomach.
Lightheadedness or Dizziness: This might happen because of the loss of blood.
Pain: Pain might be experienced such as chest pain, abdominal pain, or even both.
Pale skin, rapid heart rate and cold sweats: Possible indications of shock from extreme bleeding.
If you experience any of the mentioned signs and symptoms along with vomiting blood, early medical guidance is the ultimate solution to recover from this situation.
The causes of vomiting blood differ in severity.
Common causes of vomiting blood are:
Peptic ulcers: An open sore in your duodenum or stomach lining that can bleed.
Gastritis: Gastrointestinal lining inflammation may end up in bleeding and irritation.
Esophagitis: Bleeding may originate from oesophageal inflammation.
Mallory-Weiss tear: Forceful vomiting caused in this oesophageal rip.
Other causes include:
Oesophagal varices: Larger oesophageal veins could rupture due to high pressure in the portal vein, (found in the abdomen)
Liver disease: Bleeding may arise from cirrhosis and other liver problems.
Cancers: Both stomach cancer and oesophagal cancer can cause bleeding.
Seeking medical attention is highly recommended to improve an individual’s health. Hence, consult our best gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis and hematemesis treatment.
Blood in the vomit needs to be diagnosed by a doctor without delay. To ascertain the cause, doctors will often do several tests, such as:
Medical history: To identify medications in addition to potential risk factors.
Tests on the blood: To look for anomalies such as anaemia (low red blood cell count).
Physical examination: To analyse any bleeding symptoms and any additional relevant complaints.
X-rays or CT scans: To visualise the digestive system.
Upper GI endoscopy: A camera-equipped, thin, flexible tube is sent through the mouth to look within the stomach, duodenum, and oesophagus.
The gastroenterologist will diagnose the condition and suggest a treatment approach based on the outcomes.
The underlying cause and severity determine the type of treatment that your gastroenterologist can prescribe:
Immediate Treatments:
Intravenous fluids: These replenish fluids wasted due to bleeding and vomiting.
Medication: Necessary medications might be suggested.
Blood transfusions: In serious situations, it can be necessary to replace lost blood.
Specific hematemesis treatment according to the cause:
Endoscopic procedures
Surgery: Such as repairing ulcers or removing tumours.
Consult our gastroenterology hospital if you need hematemesis treatment.
Some home cures for treating blood in the vomit include:
Staying hydrated: Drinking clear liquids, such as water or electrolyte solutions.
Ginger: Chew on some ginger or drink ginger tea for stomach relief.
Avoid irritants: Avoid foods that could worsen your stomach issues, such as hot, acidic, or difficult-to-digest foods.
Rest: Give your body time to heal by getting enough rest.
Prop your head up using pillows when you're lying down to help ease reflux.
Use a cold compress on your forehead or abdomen.
However, if you continue to experience these symptoms, you should get medical help immediately.
If you have accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, fast heartbeat, intense abdomen pain, or trouble breathing, you should see a doctor immediately if you vomit blood. It might point to serious conditions that need to be treated right away.
Never self-medicate for blood in the vomit. Rather, seek prompt medical assistance from the doctor for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan. To manage the health condition and avoid any complications, early detection is essential. Consult our best gastroenterologists if you need diagnosis and treatment for vomiting blood symptoms.
Vomited blood might have a dark, coffee-like appearance or be brilliant scarlet. The age and source of the bleeding might affect the colour and consistency, giving hints about the underlying problem.
Yes, vomiting blood carries a risk of death, particularly if the cause is an acute medical condition including stomach cancer, oesophagal varices, or extensive bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid problems and ensure appropriate treatment, immediate medical intervention is essential.
Yes, throwing up blood is always considered an emergency. It might indicate serious diseases like stomach bleeding or ulcers that need to be evaluated and treated right away by a medical expert. Serious consequences may arise from postponing medical attention.
No, medical attention is required if you vomit blood. Avoid eating or drinking anything and make an effort to stay calm until you can get the medical support you need.
Along with ordering diagnostic tests like blood work or imaging investigations, your doctor may perform a physical examination, analyse your medical history, and potentially even perform an upper endoscopy to look at your gastrointestinal tract. The root cause will dictate the course of treatment.
