Vomiting Blood — A Medical Emergency
Also described as haematemesis, blood in vomit, coffee-ground vomit.
Vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, is a medical emergency — go to the nearest emergency department immediately and do not wait for an appointment. It indicates bleeding in the stomach or oesophagus, which endoscopy can both diagnose and treat.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Any vomiting of fresh blood or coffee-ground material — attend emergency now
- •Dizziness, fainting or a racing pulse alongside it
- •Black tarry stools at the same time
- •Known liver disease or varices
- •Regular painkiller, steroid or blood-thinner use
What causes vomiting blood?
Peptic ulcer
The commonest cause, often related to H. pylori infection or NSAID painkillers.
Oesophageal varices
Dilated veins from liver disease. Bleeding is heavy and needs urgent endoscopic treatment.
Mallory-Weiss tear
A tear from forceful vomiting, typically after retching, which usually settles.
Severe gastritis
Inflammation from alcohol, painkillers or critical illness.
Stomach cancer
Less common, usually with weight loss and long-standing symptoms beforehand.
How it is investigated
- ✓Urgent upper GI endoscopy — both diagnostic and therapeutic
- ✓Haemoglobin, cross-match and clotting profile
- ✓Liver function tests
- ✓H. pylori testing once stabilised
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does coffee-ground vomit mean?▼
It is blood that has been partly digested by stomach acid, turning it dark brown and granular. It signifies bleeding just as fresh red blood does, simply a little slower or older, and warrants the same emergency assessment.
What happens at hospital?▼
You are stabilised with fluids and, if needed, blood, then an endoscopy locates the bleeding point and treats it directly — clipping, injecting or banding it. Most bleeding is controlled this way without surgery.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.