Vomiting blood is a regurgitation of blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus (the feeding tube that transmits food and secretions from mouth to stomach), stomach, and small intestine.
Alternative Names:
Hematemesis; Blood in the vomit
Considerations:
Vomiting of blood results after there is upper gastrointestinal 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 vomit)
Bleeding ulcer located in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus
Irritation or erosion of the lining of the esophagus or stomach
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.
Review Date: 1/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Internal Medicine
