Vomiting Blood

Overview

Vomiting is a fairly common symptom of various states of illnesses. However, when someone vomits blood, it can be an alarming indication of a more serious problem.

Vomiting is the regurgitation of gastric contents through one's mouth. Vomiting is a common sign of gastrointestinal disorders. It may also occur because of a lack or imbalance of fluids or electrolytes in the body. Signs and symptoms of imminent episodes of vomiting may include an overwhelming sense of nausea and abdominal muscle contractions. Some people even feel flashes of cold or heat throughout their body when they vomit. In many cases, vomiting is also associated with clammy palms, shakiness, and extreme paleness.

Vomiting blood, also known as hematemesis, is often a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. If the blood is bright red, it may be the result of gastritis or a peptic ulcer. If the blood is dark red, it might have spurted from the esophagus. In some cases, people who have been ill or have been suffering from prolonged vomiting may frequently throw up dark blood. The dark blood usually comes from the lining of the esophagus, which can become irritated and rupture due to persistent vomiting. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also induce vomiting blood.

In more serious cases, bloody vomit may be a symptom of tumors of the stomach, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, and vascular malformations of the GI tract.

Treatment

Although many people who suffer episodes of vomiting do not tend to eat, it is very important to stay hydrated. Drinking fluids at room temperature and sipping soup broth is recommended in order to help maintain strength and keep the body hydrated.

When visiting the physician, make sure to explain when the vomiting episodes began and the how intense the episodes were. If possible, some patients are encouraged to collect a portion of the vomit contents for examination in a laboratory. In addition, a physician will want to know any accompanying symptoms a patient has experienced, such as nausea, pain, weight loss, bloating, and signs of anorexia. Physicians may also ask a person who has been vomiting blood about their past medical history, including what kind of treatment was received for any recent infections, if they used drugs (either prescribed or non-prescribed), and if any treatments for radiation or chemotherapy have occurred recently.

In most cases, vomiting blood in very minor amounts is nothing to be overly concerned about. It usually signifies a mere irritation of the esophagus. However, if the amount of blood is alarming or if you see blood clots in the vomit contents, the best thing you can do is to make an appointment with your physician, save any vomit if you can, and avoid foods or drinks that will irritate the digestive tract. Be prepared to undergo various blood tests, and, if necessary, IV fluids will be administered to increase hydration. Some medications may be prescribed for this condition, including ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidin.