Causes Of Hematemesis

Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious condition that should always be considered a medical emergency even though minor issues such as a nosebleed can sometimes cause it. This is because hematemesis may be a sign of internal bleeding requiring immediate attention. Depending on the cause of hematemesis and the severity, the regurgitated blood can be bright red, dark red, or even brown. Vomiting blood can be very frightening and isn't always life-threatening, but it may be a sign of one of the following conditions that should be treated as soon as possible.

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Mallory-Weiss syndrome refers to bleeding tears in the mucosa where the esophagus and stomach are joined. This condition is usually caused by severe and violent retching or vomiting, often as a result of bulimia, alcoholism, or, less commonly, the abuse nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. The hallmark symptom of the syndrome is hematemesis, but it can also cause melena, or old blood in the stool. The bleeding and vomiting of blood stops after one or two days for most patients.

This condition is similar to Boerhaave syndrome, except it only involves the submucosa and mucosa layers, not the muscular layer. It usually affects mean and individual over sixty years old. The most notable exception to this is hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that causes severe vomiting during pregnancy and may cause a tear in the mucosa as well.

Learn about another cause of hematemesis now.