Coffee Ground Like Vomit
The vomit that resembles coffee grounds is known as coffee ground vomitus, a type of hematemesis. Blood’s color and hue are determined by the length of time it spends in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract before emerging in the vomit. A longer duration will produce a deeper hue, which may be dark red, black, or brown.
The hue is often determined by the degree to which the acid denatures the hemoglobin that makes up red blood cells. Blood that has coagulated and become coffee-brown is no longer fresh. This indicates that the bleeding has slowed or, at least temporarily, ceased. Nonetheless, further bleeding may occur. Coffee-ground vomitus often implies gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Patients with liver illnesses such as cirrhosis, accompanied by hepatomegaly, may experience upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to various lesions producing coffee grounds like vomit.
If possible, show a sample of the vomit to the health practitioner and document the time, quantity, and risk factors. This type of vomiting is considered a medical emergency since it may suggest an underlying disease or a severe stage of cirrhosis. Rarely, if left untreated, it may result in shock or even death.
