Vomiting Blood Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Vomiting blood is a condition where significant amounts of blood are found in the vomit. In the medical world, this condition is called hematemesis.
The blood that comes out and is mixed in the vomit is not always fresh red. It could be blood in the form of clotted spots mixed in food or dark black like coffee. The dark black color indicates that the blood has been in the stomach for several hours before coming out with vomit.
Symptom
Symptoms seen in someone with vomiting blood include the presence of blood, either fresh red, brown, or black that comes out with vomit. Vomiting blood or hematemesis is classified as an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Reason
Various medical conditions can trigger the vomiting of blood. Among others are:
- Liver failure
- Aspirin use
- Tumors of the stomach or esophagus
- Liver cirrhosis
- Abnormalities of blood vessels in the digestive tract
- Inflammation of the small intestine
- Esophageal cancer
- Esophageal varices
- Inflammation in the esophagus
- Ulcers in the stomach
- Stomach inflammation
- Mallory-Weiss tear (tear in the esophageal wall due to pressure from vomiting or coughing)
- Portal hypertension
- Use of NSAID class of pain medications
- Pancreatitis
In children, vomiting blood can also be caused by:
- Congenital abnormalities
- Blood clotting disorders
- Cow’s milk allergy
- Ingested foreign object
- Vitamin K deficiency
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of vomiting blood or hematemesis is determined on the basis of a physical examination. The examination will reveal the presence of blood, either fresh red, brown, or black.
In addition to a physical examination, supporting examinations in the form of blood analysis are also usually needed to determine a person’s health status and ensure that anemia does not occur.
Investigations in the form of endoscopy are also sometimes needed to find out the source of bleeding. Endoscopy is done by inserting a camera tube through the mouth into the digestive tract. Any injury to the stomach or small intestine that has the potential to be a source of bleeding can be identified through this examination.
Before carrying out further examinations, the doctor will ensure that the blood spots that come out come from the digestive tract, not from the lungs and airways. Blood that comes out of the digestive tract will mix with food and come out with vomit. Meanwhile, blood from the airways will come out when someone coughs.
Treatment
If there is not too much vomiting of blood, then generally the patient only needs drugs that play a role in supporting the blood clotting process. However, if blood comes out in large quantities, fluid infusion and transfusion may also be needed.
Vomiting blood or hematemesis is a condition that is classified as an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If it can’t be handled optimally, vomiting blood can make the sufferer lack blood and experience life-threatening hypovolemic shock.
Complications
Vomiting blood in large quantities that are not handled optimally has the potential to cause hypovolemic shock due to losing a lot of fluids. If you don’t get medical help immediately, hypovolemic shock can make the sufferer lose consciousness, risk heart failure, and potentially be life-threatening to the sufferer.
Prevention
Prevention of vomiting blood is done by knowing the conditions that trigger it and avoiding it as best as possible. In vomiting blood caused by gastric injury for example.
Those who have a history of stomach ulcers are expected to be able to maintain a healthier diet and live. They are also advised to eat small but frequent meals, avoid spicy and sour foods, and avoid stress.
To prevent further complications from vomiting blood, proper medical treatment is needed as soon as possible.