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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffVomiting blood may be caused by:
- Acute liver failure
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Aspirin
- Benign tumors of the stomach or esophagus
- Cirrhosis
- Defects in gastrointestinal tract blood vessels
- Duodenitis
- Esophageal cancer
- Esophageal varices
- Esophagitis
- Gastric erosions
- Gastric varices
- Gastritis
- Mallory-Weiss tear
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic ulcer
- Portal hypertension
- Prolonged or vigorous vomiting
- Stomach cancer
- Swallowed blood
In infants and young children, vomiting blood may also result from:
- Birth defects
- Blood clotting disorders
- Milk allergy
- Swallowed object
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
References
- Jutabha R, et al. Major causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
- Gralnek IM, et al. Management of acute bleeding from a peptic ulcer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:928.
- Hematemesis. Reston, Va.: American College of Radiology. http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/quality_safety/app_criteria/pdf/Vascular/HematemesisDoc12.aspx. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
- Jutabha R, et al. Approach to the adult patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
- Villa X. Approach to upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
