Vomiting Blood or Hematemesis
Hematemesis can happen when food, acid, and fluids in the stomach mix with blood and come back up. If the patient throws up bright red blood, this means the blood came from a fast bleeding source, while dark-colored blood vomit means a slower source of bleeding. Vomiting blood or hematemesis can be a scary experience for anyone. In minor cases, patients who swallowed blood from a nosebleed or mouth injury may vomit a small amount of blood. However, in most cases, hematemesis can signify more severe conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Liver-related diseases like cirrhosis can cause hematemesis. Vomiting blood is a sign of severe liver damage or scarring. In a phenomenological study on heavy drinkers, 95% of the samples who vomited blood after drinking alcoholic beverages were diagnosed with a liver infections or cirrhosis. Another observational study shows that blood in spits or vomits, alongside tarry black stools, is commonly observed among patients with late-stage decompensated cirrhosis.
Hematemesis happens because the blood can’t pass through the damaged liver properly, increasing the pressure in the portal veins. When too much blood pressure is exerted, the veins may be damaged, leading to internal bleeding.
