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Vomiting blood

Vomiting blood (called haematemesis) needs to be checked. It often needs emergency treatment.

Vomit can vary from bright red to brown or black. It may be like liquid or more solid, or look like coffee granules.

Causes of vomiting blood

There are many possible causes of vomiting blood.

It's often a sign of bleeding somewhere in your food pipe (oesophagus), which runs from your mouth to your stomach.

Common causes of vomiting blood include:

Less common causes include:

It's also possible to vomit blood that was swallowed. For example, from a nosebleed or a baby breastfeeding on a bleeding nipple.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You or your child are vomiting blood (or have vomited blood) and:

  • feel generally unwell
  • feel confused
  • feel faint or dizzy
  • have rapid or shallow breathing
  • have cold, clammy, pale skin
  • have tummy pain
  • have black poo
Information:

If you have stopped vomiting blood and had no other symptoms, ask for an urgent GP appointment, call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Page last reviewed: 05 April 2022
Next review due: 05 April 2025