Vomiting blood

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When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic staff

Call 911 or emergency medical assistance
Seek emergency help immediately if you're vomiting blood and have any signs of severe blood loss or shock:

  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness after standing up
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Cold, clammy, pale skin
  • Low urine output

Seek immediate medical attention
Ask someone to drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if you notice blood in your vomit or begin vomiting blood. It's important to quickly identify the underlying cause of the bleeding and prevent more severe blood loss and other complications.

References
  1. Jutabha R, et al. Major causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
  2. Gralnek IM, et al. Management of acute bleeding from a peptic ulcer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:928.
  3. Hematemesis. Reston, Va.: American College of Radiology. http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/quality_safety/app_criteria/pdf/Vascular/HematemesisDoc12.aspx. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
  4. Jutabha R, et al. Approach to the adult patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
  5. Villa X. Approach to upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.

MY00571

April 28, 2009

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