Understanding Hematemesis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood. It can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ulcers, esophageal varices, and cancer. Hematemesis can be acute or chronic, depending on the underlying cause and the duration of the condition.
Acute hematemesis is typically caused by a sudden event, such as a peptic ulcer or a Mallory-Weiss tear, which is a tear in the lining of the esophagus due to violent vomiting. This type of hematemesis is often accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting blood clots.
Chronic hematemesis, on the other hand, is caused by a more persistent condition, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, or cancer. This type of hematemesis may be less dramatic than acute hematemesis, but it can still be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
In some cases, hematemesis may be a symptom of a more systemic disease, such as liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension. In these cases, the blood vomited may be mixed with bile and have a dark, coffee-ground like appearance.
Treatment for hematemesis depends on the underlying cause, but may include medications to stop bleeding, antibiotics to prevent infection, and endoscopy to locate and treat the source of the bleeding. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.