What is vomiting blood?

Also known as: bloody vomit, bloody emesis, puking blood.

Blood can be present in the vomit for a number of reasons, including aggressive coughing, a nosebleed that is also present and more. If vomiting blood goes beyond small streaks or flecks and includes a large amount of blood, however, it’s considered a medical emergency.

What might cause vomiting blood?

Medical causes of vomiting blood may include:

• Stomach or esophageal tumors
• Liver failure
• Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
• Inflammation of the esophagus, stomach or intestine
• Eroding of the lining of the stomach
• Pancreatitis
• Enlarged or protruding blood vessels
• Regular NSAID use
• Various forms of cancer
• Peptic ulcer
• Prolonged vomiting
• Swallowed maternal blood (if breastfeeding)
• Trauma
• Ingestion of caustic substances
• Blockage in the intestine

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This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM