Hematemesis is a medical term referring to the vomiting of blood, indicating bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This condition is a critical symptom requiring immediate medical attention, as it can signify life-threatening issues such as peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, or gastric cancers.
The appearance of the vomited blood can vary based on the location and amount of bleeding. Fresh, bright red blood suggests active bleeding, likely from the esophagus or upper stomach. In contrast, blood that resembles coffee grounds indicates that the blood has been in the stomach for some time, allowing gastric acid to act on it. Hematemesis is different from hemoptysis, where blood is coughed up from the respiratory tract, and epistaxis, or nosebleeds, which can sometimes be swallowed and later vomited, mimicking hematemesis.
The causes of hematemesis are diverse. Commonly, it is associated with peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other causes include gastritis, esophageal varices resulting from liver cirrhosis, and Mallory-Weiss tears, which are lacerations in the mucosa at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, often due to severe vomiting.
Treatment for hematemesis involves stabilizing the patient, identifying the source of bleeding, and managing the underlying cause. This may include endoscopic procedures to stop the bleeding, medication to reduce stomach acid, or surgery in severe cases. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications like hypovolemic shock, which can be fatal.
When a person bleeds internally, they vomit blood and this condition is called hematemesis. It is usually produced from the upper GI tract. There are many causes to upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage such as gastric ulcer, gastritis, duodenal ulcer etc. Hematemesis is an emergency and can be life threatening if not treated properly. A patient can be administered a proton pump inhibitor. Blood transfusions are given to people with extremely low hemoglobin levels. Nasogastric suction is administered to remove blood from the stomach.
Hematemesis Causes
- Erosion of the lining of the esophagus or stomach
- Mallory-Weiss syndrome โ bleeding into the esophagal mucosa
- Hemorrhage in the oral cavity, nose and throat
- Bleeding gastric varices
- Tumors in the stomach and esophagus
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastritis
- Chronic hepatitis
- Smoking
- Injury due to invasive procedures such as endoscopy or transesophageal echocardiography
- Peptic ulcer
- Atrio-esophageal fistula
- Yellow fever
Hematemesis Symptoms
- Brownish and black vomit
- Dark, tar-like stools
- Fainting or light headedness
- Confusion
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Cold and clammy limbs
