Quick answer
What could vomiting blood mean?
Vomiting blood is a medical emergency. Blood may be bright red, dark brown or look like coffee grounds. Call 999 or go to A&E, particularly if you feel faint, confused, clammy, breathless, have tummy pain or black stools. Do not drive yourself.
What it can look like
Blood may be bright red, streaked through vomit, dark brown or black and granular. Swallowed blood from a heavy nosebleed is possible, but still needs assessment when vomited.
Possible causes
Causes include stomach or duodenal ulcers, gastritis, enlarged veins associated with liver disease, and tears caused by repeated retching.
Emergency assessment
Hospital teams assess circulation, blood count and the likely bleeding source. Treatment may include fluids, medicines, blood transfusion and endoscopy.
Common questions about vomiting blood
- Does coffee-ground vomit count as blood?
- Yes. Dark granular material resembling coffee grounds may be altered blood and needs emergency assessment.
- Can forceful vomiting cause bleeding?
- Repeated retching can tear the lining near the stomach entrance, but other dangerous causes cannot be excluded at home.
- What should I bring to hospital?
- Bring your medicines or a list, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory painkillers, but do not delay calling for help.