Common causes of vomiting blood

If you vomit blood, it means there's bleeding somewhere in your oesophagus, stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

Below is a summary of the most likely causes of blood in the vomit. It's a rough guide that should give you a better idea of the problem.

However, don't use it to diagnose yourself always leave that to your GP or doctor.

Stomach ulcer or severe gastritis

If you vomit blood and also have a burning or gnawing pain in your tummy, the most likely causes are a stomach ulcer or severe inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) .

Bleeding occurs when the ulcer or inflammation damages an underlying artery.

Oesophageal varices

Oesophageal varices areenlarged veins in the walls of the lower part of the oesophagus. They bleed, but don't usually cause any pain.

They're often caused by alcoholic liver disease . If your GP or doctor suspects oesophageal varices are the cause of blood in your vomit, you'll need to be admitted to hospital immediately.

Severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is where acid leaks out of the stomach and up into the oesophagus.

If you have severe GORD, it can irritate the lining of your oesophagus and cause bleeding.

Tear in the oesophagus

Prolonged retching can tear the lining of your oesophagus, which can also result in bleeding.

Swallowed blood

It's possible to swallow blood in certain circumstances for example, after a severe nosebleed.

The above conditions may also cause you to have blood in your stools, causing black, tarry poo.