hematemesis

the vomiting of blood. The appearance of the vomit depends on the amount and character of the gastric contents at the time blood is vomited and on the length of time the blood has been in the stomach. Gastric acids change bright red blood to a brownish color and the vomit is often described as “coffee-ground” in color. Bright red blood in the vomit indicates a fresh hemorrhage and little contact of the blood with gastric juices. The most common causes of hematemesis are peptic ulcer, gastritis, esophageal varices or lesions, and cancer of the stomach. Benign tumors, traumatic postoperative bleeding, and swallowed blood from points in the nose, mouth, and throat can also produce hematemesis.