Black vomit

Black Vomit is a medical symptom characterized by the expulsion of black, tarry substances from the mouth. This condition is often associated with certain diseases and medical conditions, such as peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, and yellow fever.

Causes

Black vomit is typically caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. The black color is due to the presence of digested blood, which has a dark, coffee-ground appearance.

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer is one of the most common causes of black vomit. These ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. When these ulcers bleed, the blood can be vomited up, appearing black after it has been partially digested.

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, can also cause black vomit if the tumor causes bleeding in the stomach. This is often a late-stage symptom of the disease.

Yellow Fever

In severe cases of yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, black vomit can occur. This is due to bleeding in the stomach, which is a symptom of the severe form of the disease known as black vomit fever.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of black vomit involves identifying the underlying cause. This typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and various tests such as blood tests, endoscopy, and imaging studies.

Treatment for black vomit depends on the underlying cause. For peptic ulcers, treatment may involve medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing. For gastric cancer, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In the case of yellow fever, supportive care is the main form of treatment as there is no specific antiviral treatment for the disease.

See Also

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hematemesis
• Melena