Vomiting blood after alcohol: causes and emergency care

Hematemesis is a nonspecific symptom that indicates internal blood loss. A source of bleeding can open in any part of the body after a mechanical injury, damage to the mucous membranes, infectious, inflammatory or oncological diseases. The victim must be given first aid and sent to a medical facility as soon as possible, otherwise the outcome may be fatal. What you need to know about hematemesis and can it be prevented?

Symptoms of vomiting blood and their meaning

Vomiting blood (the cause in an adult often lies in a neoplasm) has its meaning depending on the type:

• with scarlet impurities;

  
  Types of vomiting blood

• vomiting blood that looks like coffee;
• vomit is released in the form of a fountain;
• discharge with a small amount of blood;
• vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea;
• There is blood and bile in the vomit.

The nature of the discharge can suggest the seriousness of the disturbances in the body.

Scarlet impurities in vomit

There is scarlet blood in the vomit - this is a symptom that indicates that the hydrochloric acid of the stomach has not affected the secretions. That is, the bleeding has just started, it continues. Another fact is that since the scarlet color of blood remains in the discharge, there is a high probability that the wound is in the gastrointestinal tract.

Excessive vomiting provokes a rupture or crack in the esophagus. Therefore, the symptom will be accompanied by scarlet impurities. But sometimes a sign may indicate a developing disease.

Impurities the color of coffee grounds

If the vomit contains blood that resembles coffee, this may indicate the following facts:

• bleeding began 4 hours before vomiting appeared;
• there is a high probability that the stool will be dark in color.

Frequent causes of this symptom are gastrointestinal diseases. A person cannot independently determine what kind of pathology he has. Sometimes, vomiting blood and dark-colored stools are not associated with the disease.

For example, if a person consumed the following products:

• bitter or milk chocolate;

  

• berries - currants, blueberries and others;
• wine drinks, to which additional dye is added to achieve a certain color;
• blood sausage – the product is prepared with the addition of animal blood;
• beet;
• black ice cream and more.

A person may consume low-quality products, that is, those that have expired or have violated storage rules. As a result, vomit appears mixed with blood, similar to coffee grounds. Additionally, dark feces are present. The inclusions in vomit are undigested food particles.

Fountain-like vomiting of blood

Vomit that comes out of the body like a fountain may indicate varicose veins of the esophagus. The disease is in an advanced stage.

Veins are deformed, namely:

• expand;
• lengthen;
• their shape changes, the veins twist;
• varicose nodes form (due to all changes);
• the walls become thinner.

All changes to the veins lead to their rupture. As a result of these symptoms, bleeding occurs, since the blood cannot come out normally. Vomit contains a large amount of secretion.

Small spots of blood in the vomit

If a person is vomiting and there are streaks of blood in the masses, this may indicate a hiatal hernia. The disease is characterized by enlargement of the opening inside the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. In the future, serious consequences appear - peptic ulcer and others.

Due to the release of vomit with streaks of blood, an inflammatory process develops in the abdominal cavity and chest. Most often, a hernia occurs in childhood, but can appear in adults.

Vomiting blood and diarrhea

If hematemesis is accompanied by diarrhea in an adult, this may indicate the following pathologies:

• penetration of infection into the body;
• erosive gastritis - an inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa, which is acute or chronic in nature, defects appear on the surface of the gastrointestinal tract;
• perforated ulcer - a through defect in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, the contents leak into the peritoneal cavity;

  
  Peptic ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disease

• food poisoning;
• neoplasm.

If a person has vomiting blood and diarrhea, but the body temperature additionally rises (more than 38 degrees), pain in the abdomen appears, this may indicate a rotavirus infection.

Vomiting blood and bile

Bile may be present in the vomit. This indicates that the process affects the biliary tract. Another explanation is that the discharge is so strong that it spasms the duodenum, resulting in the release of bile.

Causes of the symptom:

• inflammatory process in the biliary tract - for example, stones injure the bladder and cause bleeding;
• neoplasms;
• taking certain groups of medications without prescription from a specialist;
• acute cholecystitis;
• acute pancreatitis;
• intestinal obstruction - bloody vomiting with bile is the initial symptom of the condition.

Causes of appearance in adults

Vomiting blood (the cause in an adult is often acute gastritis) can indicate many diseases or physiological processes.

The symptom occurs as a result of the following conditions:

• alcohol abuse;
• YABZH;
• acute gastritis;
• varicose veins of the esophagus;

  

• rotavirus infection;
• trauma to the esophagus;
• neoplasm;
• side effects from the use of medications;
• liver pathologies;
• Mallory-Weiss syndrome;
• TBI;
• food poisoning.

Alcohol consumption

The body can handle small amounts of alcohol without problems. For example, 1 glass of wine or 500 ml of beer. Since alcohol is absorbed into the blood slowly, a person often exceeds the specified amount.

Further, the concentration of alcohol increases greatly, which has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The load on these organs increases. This may result in vomiting or nausea. Bile and foam are often observed in the masses.

People suffering from alcoholism try to reduce pain in the gastrointestinal tract with the help of an additional portion of alcoholic beverages. The situation gets worse; with prolonged vomiting, the esophagus can be injured and bleeding develops.

If a person has consumed a small amount of alcohol, but vomits blood, this may indicate the presence of diseases:

• acute gastritis;
• Mallory-Weiss syndrome;
• liver diseases.

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines

When the disease occurs, bloody vomiting appears, which looks like coffee grounds. The pathology is characterized by damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcers form on the wall of the stomach and duodenum. The disease appears due to the colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the digestive system. The pathogen enters the mucous membrane of organs and damages it.

In addition, there are other reasons for the development of peptic ulcer:

• constant stress - the central nervous system is under tension, its tone decreases, the vessels of the gastrointestinal tract spasm;
• heredity;
• poor nutrition;
• abuse of bad habits;
• uncontrolled use of medications - NSAIDs, analgesics.

  

Vomit in case of ulcerative stomach ulcer is caused by the following points:

1. Under the influence of factors (poor nutrition, bad habits), the walls of the organ are deformed.
2. Ulcers appear.
3. Bleeding begins.

Vomiting may be accompanied by the release of up to 50 ml of blood. A distinctive feature of gastrointestinal ulcers is that stool looks like tar. Such stool appears within a few hours or the next day after vomiting.

2 – 3 days before the release of masses, an adult experiences pain in the abdominal area.

Additionally, the following symptoms may appear:

• feeling of thirst;
• dry skin;
• decrease in daily urine volume;
• the occurrence of pain upon palpation of the abdominal cavity.

General symptoms depend on the degree of blood loss:

1. The deficit is less than 5%. The person's general health is satisfactory. Blood pressure is within normal limits, but pulse is slightly increased.
2. Deficiency from 5 to 15%. This is the 2nd degree of blood loss. The person becomes lethargic, apathy and dizziness appear. Systolic pressure (upper) falls below 90 mmHg. Art. And the optimal value of the indicator is 120 mm Hg. Art. The pulse quickens.
3. Deficit 15 – 30%. The person feels unwell, the skin is pale. The pulse is rapid, systolic pressure is below 60 mmHg. Art.
4. The deficit is more than 30%. The person’s consciousness is disturbed, the condition is extremely serious. The pulse cannot be felt.

Judging by the degrees, vomit with blood is dangerous in case of peptic ulcer. A person cannot cope with them on his own. If blood loss exceeds 30%, death occurs.

Therefore, if a person has primary symptoms (vomiting, bloody stool), it is necessary to call a medical team. Treatment is required immediately.

Acute gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The disease is especially dangerous if it is acute, as the symptoms are pronounced. With this pathology, erosion and bleeding may develop. There is a possibility that hematemesis indicates acute gastritis. There are factors that increase the likelihood of a symptom occurring.

These include the following points:

• frequent drinking of alcohol;
• accidental use of household products, as well as other liquids that contain harmful substances - alkalis, acids;
• uncontrolled use of certain groups of medications;
• gastritis occurred due to other conditions - heart attack, liver or kidney failure;
• mechanical damage to the stomach that occurred as a result of a surgical procedure or burn;
• presence of Helicobacter pylori in the gastrointestinal tract;
• long-term exposure to radiation on the body.

  

Not everyone experiences vomiting. But if a person notices a symptom, a brown color indicates acute gastritis. With the disease, blood streaks are clearly visible.

Additionally, the following symptoms occur:

• nausea that doesn't go away;
• abdominal discomfort;
• dizziness;
• general weakness;
• fatigue with minimal exertion;
• diarrhea.

Varicose veins of the gastric walls

Vomiting blood that occurs in adults may indicate a cause such as varicose veins of the esophagus. The darker the blood color, the more serious the situation. The esophageal vein can become damaged even with careful examination using an endoscope. Additionally, there is a possibility of infection.

In 80% of cases, varicose veins of the esophagus occur due to complicated cirrhosis of the liver or organ failure. Another reason for the disease is their heredity, but this happens rarely.

Rotavirus

Hematemesis may be associated with rotavirus infection. This happens if the masses are released for a long time, traumatizing the gastrointestinal tract occurs.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection:

• sudden onset of chills and high fever;
• pain in the stomach and intestines;
• apathy;
• lack of appetite;
• pale skin;
• white coating on the tongue;
• dry cough;
• nasal congestion;

  

• discomfort in the throat;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

Mechanical damage to the esophagus

Vomiting blood can occur as a result of mechanical damage to the esophagus. For example, if a person eats a large amount of food. When the damage is minor (crack or scratch), there will be some blood in the vomit. But in case of severe trauma, bleeding develops.

Stomach oncology

Nausea and vomiting can occur at any stage of a malignant tumor. But depending on the time of occurrence, it is possible to assume in which department the neoplasm is located:

• vomiting occurred immediately after eating, the masses contain undigested particles - cancer of the upper parts of the stomach;
• vomiting appears 2 hours after eating - oncology of the lower intestine;
• vomiting occurs regardless of food - tumor cells disintegrate;
• There is bile in the vomit - oncology of the duodenum or liver.

Side effect of drugs

If a person experiences vomiting with blood, this may indicate prolonged and uncontrolled use of certain groups of medications. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause bleeding when used for a long time.

There is a high likelihood of symptoms occurring when using Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin). Other representatives of the group are Ibuprofen, Diclofenac. The symptom can also occur as a result of the use of glucocorticoids - Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone.

To avoid vomiting blood, you must take medications only as prescribed by your doctor. You should also adhere to the dosage recommended by the specialist.

If a person has taken these medications and experiences vomiting, it is necessary to visit a physician. The doctor will prescribe the use of additional means that will protect the gastrointestinal tract from negative influences.

Liver diseases

If the liver disease is at an advanced stage, a person develops varicose veins of the esophagus. Accordingly, a symptom may appear. Liver diseases increase the likelihood of varicose veins - cirrhosis, hepatitis.

Bleeding may occur as a result of trauma to the organ. Vomit additionally contains bile.

Mallory-Weiss syndrome

With this condition, any load can increase the pressure inside the stomach. As a result, tears form and bleed.

The load includes the following items:

• lifting weights;
• physical activity - running, strength training, cycling;
• severe cough;
• prolonged vomiting.

The syndrome has a distinctive feature - first there are food residues in the vomit, and then blood appears, which has a red or brown tint. With pathology, discomfort occurs in the abdomen, and there are additionally signs of anemia (reduced amount of hemoglobin).

Traumatic brain injury

Hematemesis may indicate traumatic brain injury. Bleeding opens in the nasal cavity, fluid enters the gastrointestinal tract. Then it is excreted along with vomiting.

Poisoning

Poisoning can occur as a result of exposure to toxic substances in the body. For example, if a person eats low-quality food that has expired or was improperly stored. Vomiting from food poisoning is a common symptom. But if there is damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the sign is accompanied by blood impurities. There is also weakness, lethargy, and dizziness.

Prevention

To prevent dangerous consequences, it is recommended to follow the rules:

• stop drinking alcohol in large quantities;
• organize a balanced diet under the guidance of a nutritionist;
• take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Even after treatment for diseases of the stomach and intestines, you must adhere to a gentle diet.

Vomiting with elements of blood indicates a violation of the integrity of internal organs. To find out the source of bleeding and the severity of the disease, you need to visit a doctor. Timely detection of the disease will save you from serious consequences in the future.

Rarely diagnosed pathologies

Vomiting blood (the cause in an adult is rarely liver disease) can appear as a result of rarely diagnosed pathologies.

Conditions that are not always accompanied by symptoms:

• duodenitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum;
• appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix;

  

• foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract;
• pancreatitis - an inflammatory process in the pancreas;
• intestinal obstruction;
• peritonitis - inflammation of the peritoneum;
• cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder.

Causes of hematemesis during pregnancy

In the expectant mother, the symptom appears more often. For example, with complicated toxicosis, vomit is released in a large volume, which may cause Mallory-Weiss syndrome.

But there are additional reasons for the occurrence of hematemesis:

• overeating – blood is noticeable after repeated vomiting;
• poisoning - in the vomit, which appears 1 - 1.5 hours after eating, there are undigested particles;
• gastrointestinal diseases - hiatus hernia, varicose veins, acute gastritis;
• oncology.

If vomiting with blood appears once, this is a relatively safe symptom during pregnancy. There is no need to panic, but you should report the sign to your doctor. If a woman’s condition is serious, her health has deteriorated sharply, it is necessary to call a team of medical workers.

Difference from hemoptysis

If bloody fluid comes out when vomiting, this does not mean the presence of a terrible illness, internal bleeding, or the need for panic and fear. However, there is a high probability that this is hemoptysis, here are some differences:

• blood is not secreted, but coughed up;
• comes out in the form of foam, and is practically absent when vomiting with clots;
• symptoms of bleeding - black stool, which is not included in the symptoms of hemoptysis;
• The coughing lasts for a long time.

In conclusion, we wish you not to encounter such pathologies and be healthy. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor immediately and get examined annually, preferably once every six months.

First aid for vomiting blood

Vomiting blood (the cause in an adult may be poisoning) requires first aid. First, you need to make sure whether the masses could have turned this color because of the products. If the answer is negative, the presence of blood is confirmed, a medical team should be called.

Next provide first aid:

1. Do not restrain or provoke the release of vomit.

   

2. Lay the person horizontally. To make it more comfortable, it is better to place something soft (pillow, towel) under your head.
3. Cover the person with a blanket to improve blood circulation.
4. Give clean, still water in small sips. A person is prohibited from eating, as this may increase the release of vomit.
5. Ask questions about your well-being and disturbing symptoms. This step must be followed, because if a person faints, the attendant will tell the team about all the signs.
6. To avoid blood stagnation, from time to time it is necessary to turn the patient from one side to the other.
7. If bleeding is heavy, pulse and blood pressure should be measured every 15 minutes. If your blood pressure drops, you need to call the control room again.
8. If a person is fainting, you need to make sure that your head does not drop. Also, the patient should not lie on his back, otherwise he may choke in his vomit.

It is very important not to refuse hospitalization if necessary. It is forbidden to give any medications before the ambulance arrives, as the picture of the disease changes.

Lifespan

Life expectancy depends on the presence of complications. Life expectancy increases if the patient has received complex treatment. If the patient adheres to the doctor’s recommendations and strictly follows the rules of drug therapy, then we can talk about improving the quality of life.

The quality of life directly depends on the prescribed treatment. And also from timely diagnosis and compliance with preventive measures. Any disease can be prevented.

It should also be remembered that self-medication is strictly prohibited. After first aid is provided, the patient is hospitalized. Hospitalization helps improve the patient’s condition, and the prescribed treatment increases life expectancy!

Diagnostics

If hematemesis occurs, a complete examination of the body is necessary. After diagnosis, the doctor indicates the cause that leads to vomiting of blood.

The examination includes the following procedures:

• taking a general blood and urine test;
• taking a biochemical blood test - for example, to determine the level of liver enzymes and sugar;
• examination of vomit - the procedure helps to identify color, consistency, and the presence of impurities;
• coprogram - stool examination;
• ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal cavity;
• X-ray;
• electrocardiogram (ECG) – using the procedure, you can evaluate the functioning of the heart;
• fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS) - the procedure is called gastroscopy, helps to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What it is?

Hematemesis is vomiting that occurs during the process of bleeding from organs and systems of the human body. Blood may also be passed in the stool. In this case, blood flows into the stomach and duodenum.

If there is gastric bleeding, then bloody vomiting occurs after repeated vomiting. However, vomiting is observed without blood. Which indicates a severe course of the process, regardless of the presence or absence of blood.

Bloody vomiting requires immediate attention. Therefore, diagnosing hematemesis is difficult. It is quite difficult to determine the exact cause of bloody vomiting.

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Symptomatic treatment

Therapy depends on the cause that influenced the occurrence of hematemesis. Any drug should be taken only with the advice of a specialist.

In the hospital, treatment includes:

• introduction of plasma substitutes to restore the volume of circulating blood;
• blood transfusion (blood transfusion) until natural fluid moves through the vessels;

  

• administration of fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K to correct blood clotting;
• gastric lavage - this item is used if vomiting occurs due to poisoning;
• electrocoagulation - soft tissues are cauterized, bleeding stops.

Next, they may put on a drip to restore the level of nutrients in the body. For example, a glucose solution. In some cases, surgery is possible. If hematemesis appears as a result of a gastric ulcer, the person undergoes surgery. Namely, resection. The ulcer is removed along with part of the stomach.

If a person does not need to be treated in a hospital, it is recommended to take medications at home. Popular medications are listed in the table.

Forecast

With hematemesis, the prognosis will depend on the severity of the disease. Mainly from possible reasons. The more serious the cause of bloody vomiting, the worse the prognosis.

The prognosis is best if the patient receives emergency care. The factor of eliminating the underlying disease should also be taken into account. If the underlying disease is not eliminated, the prognosis is poor.

The prognosis is worst if the patient is not provided timely assistance. If there are complications, the prognosis is also worst. Complications often cause serious consequences.

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Diet therapy

Proper nutrition helps alleviate a person's condition.

The following rules must be adhered to:

• eat 5 - 6 times a day with breaks of 2 - 3 hours, portions should be 200 - 300 g;

  

  Read also:  The dog has green vomiting and diarrhea: What’s wrong with the pet and how to cure it
• exclude fried, salted, smoked foods;
• reduce the consumption of sweets and starchy foods;
• steam, boil or bake food;
• replace high-fat dairy products with low-calorie ones;
• eat lean meat (chicken, turkey) and fish.

Diet

You will have to not only forget about alcohol, but also completely reconsider your diet. At first, it is better for the patient not to eat. The most important thing now is to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. It is useful to drink teas based on calendula, rosehip or chamomile. They have a calming effect, relieve inflammation and help you recover faster from illness.

Usually, significant relief occurs within 2-3 days. This is only if the patient observed bed rest and followed all the doctors’ orders. Properly selected food will help replenish the supply of nutrients and will not irritate the esophagus and stomach. During this period, it is important not to overload the liver and pancreas. All fried and fatty foods are completely excluded. You should also not eat marinades, preserves, raw vegetables and fruits, as well as red meat. Food should be soft, pureed, and at a comfortable temperature.

It is best to start with weak tea and jelly, gradually moving on to liquid porridge and diluted chicken broth. Next, move on to chopped chicken pulp and soft-boiled eggs. It is recommended to drink vitamin C to strengthen the body. After complete recovery, you will need to strictly follow a diet and regularly visit a gastroenterologist. A specialist will help you choose the right diet for the future.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies have a herbal composition, so they rarely cause side effects. A common negative symptom is allergies.

Traditional recipes for blood vomiting:

• Potato starch. To prepare the product, you need to mix 1 tsp. main component with 1 tbsp. warm water. Thanks to its use, abdominal cramping is reduced.
• Chicory. To prepare, take the herb of the component and grind it to a powder. Pour 1 tbsp. chicory 300 ml hot water. Wrap the container in a warm blanket and leave overnight. Take the product 1 tbsp. 2 – 3 times a day.
• Eggs. To reduce nausea, you need to take 3 egg whites. Already after 60 minutes. the person's condition will improve.

Consequences

With severe blood loss, a collaptoid state develops. Blood pressure drops below 80 mmHg. Art., tachycardia occurs more often than 120 beats per minute.

In this situation, a person needs emergency hospitalization by ambulance on a stretcher.

If the bleeding is not stopped, life-threatening conditions develop:

• hypovolemic shock;
• anemia;
• aspiration pneumonia;
• acute renal failure.

Mortality in this condition reaches 20%.

Possible complications

If vomiting blood is not treated, the person's condition will worsen. As a result, anemia (reduced amount of hemoglobin), shock, and suffocation develops. In serious cases, the person may lose consciousness. There is also a possibility of death.

Vomiting in an adult always worries a person. There are cases when blood is present in the masses. The condition may indicate many pathologies - tumor, liver disease, ulcer. And also the cause of the appearance of the symptom is the uncontrolled use of medications.

You need to undergo a full body examination. As therapy, the use of medications and folk remedies, as well as dietary nutrition, is prescribed. To reduce the likelihood of complications, hematemesis must be treated promptly.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

Exodus

Death is possible in case of massive blood loss. If anemia develops and anemia becomes the main symptom, then not only the patient’s condition is disturbed, but also the possible outcome worsens.

Recovery is possible with timely and comprehensive treatment. If emergency care is provided and diagnostics are carried out, then the further outcome depends on the subsequent condition of the patient. In weakened people, the outcome will depend on the massiveness of blood loss.

More massive blood loss not only worsens the patient’s condition, but also leads to negative consequences. A blood transfusion can restore blood loss. However, this event is carried out only according to indications.

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