What Could Cause Vomiting Blood?
March 21, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Vomiting blood, also known as hematemesis, can be a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. It can be caused by various serious conditions, including:
- Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) can erode blood vessels, leading to bleeding and vomiting blood.
- Esophageal Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus, often caused by liver cirrhosis or other liver diseases, can rupture and cause significant bleeding.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to infections (such as Helicobacter pylori), excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can lead to vomiting blood.
- Mallory-Weiss Tear: A tear in the lining of the esophagus, typically caused by severe vomiting or retching, can result in bleeding and vomiting blood.
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, often due to acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), can lead to irritation and bleeding of the esophageal lining.
- Gastric Cancer: Malignant tumors in the stomach can cause bleeding, leading to vomiting blood, although this is less common than other causes.
- Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: This condition involves tears in the mucous membrane at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, typically caused by severe retching or vomiting.
- Esophageal Cancer: Cancerous growths in the esophagus can lead to bleeding and vomiting blood, though this is relatively rare.
- Bleeding Disorders: Conditions that affect blood clotting, such as liver disease, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), or certain medications (such as blood thinners), can increase the risk of bleeding and vomiting blood.
- Aortic Aneurysm: Rupture of an aortic aneurysm, a bulging and weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the body’s main artery), can cause severe internal bleeding and vomiting blood.
If you or someone else is vomiting blood, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Do not delay in calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are necessary to determine the underlying cause and prevent further complications.