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| Definition: | The regurgitation of blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus (feeding tube that transmits food and secretions from mouth to stomach), stomach, and small intestine.
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| Alternative Names: | Hematemesis; Blood in the vomit
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| Considerations: | Vomiting blood results from upper gastrointestinal loss of blood (GI bleeding). This condition can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from coughing up blood (from the lung) or a nosebleed (bloody post nasal drainage).
Conditions that cause blood to be vomited can also cause blood in the stool.
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| Common Causes: | - Prolonged and vigorous retching (may cause a tear in the small blood vessels of the throat or the esophagus, producing streaks of blood in the vomitus)
- Bleeding ulcer(s) located in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus
- Irritation or erosion of the lining of the esophagus or stomach
- Bleeding esophageal varices
- Vascular malformations of the GI tract
- Tumors of the stomach or esophagus
- Esophagitis
- Gastritis
- Ingested blood (for example, swallowed after a nosebleed)
- Gastroenteritis
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Review Date: 1/21/2002
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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