Haematemesis

Haematemesis is the medical term for vomiting blood. This condition can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, and esophageal varices. It is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

Haematemesis can be caused by a number of different conditions, including:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: This is the most common cause of haematemesis. It can occur due to a variety of conditions, including peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and gastritis.
• Peptic ulcers: These are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. They can cause bleeding that leads to haematemesis.
• Esophageal varices: These are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and bleed, causing haematemesis.

Symptoms

In addition to vomiting blood, other symptoms of haematemesis may include:

• Melena: This is dark, tarry stools that can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Hematochezia: This is the passage of fresh blood through the rectum, usually in or with stools.
• Syncope: This is a temporary loss of consciousness, often related to insufficient blood flow to the brain.

Treatment

Treatment for haematemesis depends on the underlying cause. This may include:

• Endoscopy: This is a procedure that allows a doctor to view the inside of the body in order to diagnose or treat conditions.
• Medication: Certain medications can help to reduce stomach acid and heal peptic ulcers.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding.

See also

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Peptic ulcers
• Esophageal varices

Haematemesis Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia