1. Bloody Vomit--Don't Panic
Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious yet treatable condition. In itself, vomiting blood is not a medical diagnosis but rather a scary symptom of one. Possessing the knowledge to quickly differentiate between an ulcer and a more serious condition can mean the difference between life and death. Consider where the blood might be coming from and how much is present. A nosebleed, prolonged cough or ulcer can all contribute blood to your vomit. Rest assured that the cause is usually extremely treatable.
2. Bleeding Ulcers
Actively bleeding stomach ulcers are frequently the culprits for blood in your emesis. Do you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol frequently? Perhaps you have recently become unemployed. Stressors, both physical and mental, can trigger increased gastric acid production resulting in an ulcer. The blood from an ulcer will usually present as minimal amounts of bright red and dilute substance. It should not have an overly foul smell (above that of your stomach acid). Imagine putting one drop of red food coloring in a bowl of water. The entire bowl turns red instantly. Ulcer-produced vomit is similar whereas one drop of blood will turn the toilet bowl contents bright red. Take a deep breath, strike a yoga pose and stop the caffeine for a while. Ulcers are highly treatable with diet, exercise and medications.
3. Seek Treatment
Vomiting of blood in any form should be reported. Your blood vessels contain a finite amount of blood that your body is constantly working to replace. Large amounts of vomited blood cannot be rapidly replaced by your body and may lead to a state of shock requiring emergency medical treatment. One drop of blood in the bowl may not warrant a call to 9-1-1 if you ate pizza with anchovies washed down by a beer last night and are known to have active ulcers. Conversely, when the toilet bowl is filled with a "coffee ground" substance, foul-smelling dark blood or large amounts of bright red blood, this requires a call for emergency assistance immediately.
4. At Risk for Bleeding
When an upper gastrointestinal bleed (vomiting blood) occurs, your gastric system is at fault. This involves everything from your mouth to your stomach as well as your liver. Any disease process that puts these systems at risk is also increasing your chances of vomiting blood. Regular check-ups with your physician are important if you have a predisposing history such as ulcers, reflux disease or liver problems. Unfortunately, one risk factor you cannot change is heredity. The genetic make up of your parents' upper GI tracts will play a large role in the health of yours.
5. Think Prevention
Should you smoke or drink excessively, try to quit. These are two of the biggest contributors to gastric disease. Show up for your routine diagnostic tests if you have a family history of symptoms (chronic heartburn or indigestion). These tests will give you advance warning and allow for appropriate preventative treatment.
