Hematemesis Treatment in Indore

Vomiting blood, or hematemesis, is the regurgitation of stomach contents mixed with blood, or the regurgitation of blood only. Vomiting blood can be a concern, but in some cases, minor causes may trigger it. This includes swallowing blood from a mouth injury or a nosebleed.

These minor situations will likely not cause any long-term harm. Vomiting blood may also be caused by more serious conditions such as internal injuries, organ bleeding, or organ rupture.

Regurgitated blood may appear brown, dark red, or bright red in color. Brown blood often resembles coffee grounds when vomited. The color of vomited blood can often indicate to your doctor the source and severity of the bleeding.

For example, darker blood generally indicates that the bleeding is coming from an upper gastrointestinal source, such as the stomach. Darker blood usually represents a less brisk and steady source of bleeding.

Bright red blood, on the other hand, often indicates an acute bleeding episode coming from the esophagus or stomach. It may represent a fast-bleeding source.

The color of the blood in the vomit may not always indicate the source and severity of the bleeding but should always prompt your doctor to investigate.

If you vomit a large amount of blood, typically 500 cc or the size of a small cup, or if you vomit blood in conjunction with dizziness or changes in breathing, you should call 911 immediately.

Why does vomiting blood occur?

There are many causes of vomiting blood. They range in severity from minor to major and are normally the result of an injury, illness, or medication use.

Vomiting blood may be caused by minor conditions such as:

• esophagus irritation
• nosebleeds
• swallowing blood
• tear in the esophagus due to chronic coughing or vomiting
• swallowing a foreign object

Other common causes of vomiting blood include:

• stomach ulcers
• aspirin side effects
• gastritis, or stomach inflammation
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug side effects
• pancreatitis

More serious causes of vomiting blood include:

• cirrhosis
• esophageal cancer
• erosion of the stomach lining
• pancreatic cancer

At the doctors

There are many potential health issues that could cause you to vomit blood. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will begin by asking questions about your symptoms and whether or not you were recently injured.

Your doctor may order an imaging test to look inside your body. Imaging scans reveal abnormalities in the body such as ruptured organs or abnormal growths. Common imaging tests used for these purposes are:

• CT scan
• endoscopy, a device that allows your doctor to look in your stomach
• ultrasound
• X-ray
• MRI

Your doctor may request an upper endoscopy to look for blood in the stomach. This procedure is performed while you are sedated. Your doctor will place a small, flexible tube called an endoscope into your mouth and down into your stomach and small intestine.

A fiber optic camera in the tube allows your doctor to see the contents of your stomach and examine you internally for any sources of bleeding.

Your doctor may order a blood test to check your complete blood count. This helps to assess the amount of blood lost. A biopsy may also be performed to determine if the source of bleeding represents an inflammatory, infectious, or cancerous source. Your doctor may order additional tests based on your blood count result.

How is vomiting blood treated?

Depending on the amount of blood lost, you may need a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion replaces your lost blood with donor blood. The blood is fed into your vein through an IV line.

You might also require fluid to be given through an IV to rehydrate your body. Your doctor may prescribe medication to stop the vomiting or to decrease stomach acid. If you have an ulcer, your doctor will prescribe medications to treat it.

In certain more severe cases of upper GI bleeding, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist.

The gastroenterologist may perform an upper endoscopy to not only diagnose but also treat the source of the bleeding. In severe cases, such as stomach or bowel perforation, surgery may be needed. Severe cases may also include a bleeding ulcer or internal injuries.

Some foods and beverages increase the likelihood of vomiting blood. These include but are not limited to highly acidic foods and alcoholic beverages. If you regularly consume these foods or beverages, your doctor can help you create a special diet to decrease this risk.