Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis)
Also known as: bloody vomit, bloody emesis, puking blood.
What is vomiting 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:
What happens if a child vomits blood?
Many different things can cause blood in the vomit, ranging from benign to severe, but you should always see a healthcare provider to determine how serious it is. In some cases, a small amount of blood in a child’s vomit may be due to the trauma of vomiting itself.
Other times, it’s a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer, inflammation in the esophagus or stomach lining or ruptured blood vessels. If you swallow blood from a nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth, that can also show up in the vomit.
How is vomiting blood (hematemesis) diagnosed?
The diagnostic tests for vomiting blood will vary based on the suspected cause. The health care provider may start by asking questions about the possible cause including any recent injuries.
Tests may include an upper endoscopy, which involves inserting a small, flexible tube down the esophagus to check the stomach and small intestine.
Blood tests may also be needed if blood loss is an issue.
Finally, additional imaging tests such as CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays or a biopsy of tissue may be needed if your health care provider suspects a more serious disease such as cancer.
How can vomiting blood be treated?
If only small flecks or streaks of blood are present and the vomiting is short-lived or accompanied by coughing or nosebleed, no action may be needed. Rest and fluids may help the patient feel better.
When should you seek medical attention?
If the blood in the vomit is significant and accompanied by symptoms such as rapid breathing, green vomit, dizziness, fainting, confusion or cold pale skin, seek medical attention immediately.
When is vomiting blood dangerous?
There is always a potential that vomiting blood could be dangerous, so a visit with a healthcare provider is always recommended if blood is detected in your child’s vomit. Emergency medical attention is warranted in most cases, particularly if a large amount of blood is present. It typically takes a significant amount of blood to trigger vomiting, so it can be a sign of a serious problem such as internal bleeding.
This page was last updated on: April 30, 2025 11:13 AM