Home Care:

Although not all situations are the result of a major medical problem, this is difficult to know without a medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if vomiting of blood occurs -- this requires immediate medical evaluation.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

• When did the vomiting begin?
• Have you ever vomited blood before?
• How much blood was in the vomit?
• What color was the blood? (Bright red or like coffee grounds?)
• Have you had any recent nosebleeds, surgeries, dental work, vomiting, stomach problems, or severe coughing?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• What medical conditions do you have?
• What medicines do you take?
• Do you drink alcohol or smoke?

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistries, blood clotting tests, and liver function tests
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Nuclear medicine scan
• Rectal examination
• Tube through the nose into the stomach to check for blood
• X-rays

If you have vomited a lot of blood, you may need emergency treatment, which may include:

• Blood transfusions
• Fluids through a vein
• Medications to decrease stomach acid
• Possible surgery if bleeding does not stop