Hematemesis: Difference between revisions
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= Hematemesis = | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File: | | name = Hematemesis | ||
| image = [[File:Hiatus_hernia_on_CT_scan.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = CT scan showing a hiatus hernia, a possible cause of hematemesis | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Vomiting]] of [[blood]] | |||
| complications = [[Hypovolemic shock]], [[anemia]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Peptic ulcer disease]], [[esophageal varices]], [[gastritis]], [[Mallory-Weiss tear]], [[esophageal cancer]] | |||
| risks = [[Alcohol use disorder]], [[liver cirrhosis]], [[NSAID]] use | |||
| diagnosis = [[Endoscopy]], [[blood tests]], [[imaging]] | |||
| differential = [[Hemoptysis]], [[epistaxis]], [[melena]] | |||
| treatment = [[Intravenous fluids]], [[blood transfusion]], [[endoscopic therapy]], [[proton pump inhibitors]] | |||
| medication = [[Proton pump inhibitors]], [[vasopressin]], [[octreotide]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on cause and severity | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Hematemesis''' refers to the vomiting of blood, a serious symptom that can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions. It involves the expulsion of blood from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may appear bright red or have a coffee-ground appearance due to partial digestion by stomach acids. | '''Hematemesis''' refers to the vomiting of blood, a serious symptom that can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions. It involves the expulsion of blood from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may appear bright red or have a coffee-ground appearance due to partial digestion by stomach acids. | ||
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== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Hematemesis can result from several conditions, including: | Hematemesis can result from several conditions, including: | ||
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* [[Mallory-Weiss tear]]: A tear in the mucous membrane at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, typically caused by severe vomiting. | * [[Mallory-Weiss tear]]: A tear in the mucous membrane at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, typically caused by severe vomiting. | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]]: Bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. | * [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]]: Bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Besides the presence of blood in vomit, symptoms accompanying hematemesis may include: | Besides the presence of blood in vomit, symptoms accompanying hematemesis may include: | ||
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* [[Paleness]] | * [[Paleness]] | ||
* Rapid heart rate | * Rapid heart rate | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosing the cause of hematemesis involves a series of tests, including: | Diagnosing the cause of hematemesis involves a series of tests, including: | ||
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* [[Endoscopy]] to visually examine the upper GI tract for sources of bleeding. | * [[Endoscopy]] to visually examine the upper GI tract for sources of bleeding. | ||
* Imaging tests, such as [[CT scan]]s or [[X-ray]]s, to identify internal bleeding. | * Imaging tests, such as [[CT scan]]s or [[X-ray]]s, to identify internal bleeding. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for hematemesis focuses on stopping the bleeding and addressing the underlying cause. This may involve: | Treatment for hematemesis focuses on stopping the bleeding and addressing the underlying cause. This may involve: | ||
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* Endoscopic therapies to control bleeding, such as banding or sclerotherapy for esophageal varices. | * Endoscopic therapies to control bleeding, such as banding or sclerotherapy for esophageal varices. | ||
* Surgery in severe cases to repair the source of bleeding. | * Surgery in severe cases to repair the source of bleeding. | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
If not treated promptly, hematemesis can lead to significant blood loss, leading to [[anemia]], shock, or even death. | If not treated promptly, hematemesis can lead to significant blood loss, leading to [[anemia]], shock, or even death. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventive measures depend on the underlying cause but may include managing chronic conditions, avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and reducing alcohol consumption. | Preventive measures depend on the underlying cause but may include managing chronic conditions, avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and reducing alcohol consumption. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]] | * [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]] | ||
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* [[Gastritis]] | * [[Gastritis]] | ||
* [[Esophageal varices]] | * [[Esophageal varices]] | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vomiting-blood/basics/definition/sym-20050732 Mayo Clinic - Vomiting Blood] | * [https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vomiting-blood/basics/definition/sym-20050732 Mayo Clinic - Vomiting Blood] | ||
* [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Gastrointestinal Bleeding] | * [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Gastrointestinal Bleeding] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:24, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Hematemesis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Vomiting of blood |
| Complications | Hypovolemic shock, anemia |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Peptic ulcer disease, esophageal varices, gastritis, Mallory-Weiss tear, esophageal cancer |
| Risks | Alcohol use disorder, liver cirrhosis, NSAID use |
| Diagnosis | Endoscopy, blood tests, imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Hemoptysis, epistaxis, melena |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Intravenous fluids, blood transfusion, endoscopic therapy, proton pump inhibitors |
| Medication | Proton pump inhibitors, vasopressin, octreotide |
| Prognosis | Depends on cause and severity |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Hematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood, a serious symptom that can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions. It involves the expulsion of blood from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may appear bright red or have a coffee-ground appearance due to partial digestion by stomach acids.
Causes[edit]
Hematemesis can result from several conditions, including:
- Peptic ulcers: Open sores on the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Esophageal varices: Swollen veins in the lower part of the esophagus, often associated with liver disease.
- Mallory-Weiss tear: A tear in the mucous membrane at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, typically caused by severe vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: Bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms[edit]
Besides the presence of blood in vomit, symptoms accompanying hematemesis may include:
- Dizziness and fainting
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Paleness
- Rapid heart rate
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing the cause of hematemesis involves a series of tests, including:
- Blood tests to assess overall health and clotting function.
- Endoscopy to visually examine the upper GI tract for sources of bleeding.
- Imaging tests, such as CT scans or X-rays, to identify internal bleeding.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for hematemesis focuses on stopping the bleeding and addressing the underlying cause. This may involve:
- Medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the GI tract.
- Endoscopic therapies to control bleeding, such as banding or sclerotherapy for esophageal varices.
- Surgery in severe cases to repair the source of bleeding.
Complications[edit]
If not treated promptly, hematemesis can lead to significant blood loss, leading to anemia, shock, or even death.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures depend on the underlying cause but may include managing chronic conditions, avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and reducing alcohol consumption.


