Content Supervision
KOMAI TSUBASA
KOMAI TSUBASA
KOMAI TSUBASA
KOMAI TSUBASA
Physician / Board-Certified Internist (Japanese Society of Internal Medicine) / Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist (Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics) / ECG Certification Level 1
I have worked diligently as a young physician on the front lines of cardiovascular emergency medicine. While I feel an “immense sense of fulfillment” when patients brought in by ambulance successfully return to their normal lives, I have also witnessed many cases of “the ultimate consequences of lifestyle diseases” that could not be saved. I aspire to be a family doctor whom patients can consult as casually as they would a friend, with the goal of helping people before it’s too late. I am also involved in medical education to improve health literacy among the Japanese public.
What Are Vomiting and Hematemesis?
Vomiting is a phenomenon in which the contents of the stomach flow backward and are expelled from the body through the esophagus and mouth. Hematemesis refers to a condition in which blood is mixed with the vomited material. However, when blood is mixed with phlegm and appears red, it is classified separately as hemoptysis.
Vomiting is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal problems, but in some cases it can also occur due to causes in other parts of the body that may seem unrelated at first glance.
What to Keep in Mind When Experiencing Vomiting or Hematemesis
If you experience vomiting, first rinse your mouth to clean it, then lie down and rest until you feel better. It is best to avoid drinking fluids until the symptoms settle. Once you feel able to tolerate fluids, start by taking small amounts slowly. Do not force yourself to eat in an attempt to maintain nutrition. If you continue to vomit even after drinking fluids, or if you are unable to take in fluids for a prolonged period, dehydration may occur. In such cases, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you experience hematemesis, it is generally advisable to visit a hospital immediately or call an ambulance. Vomiting blood indicates active bleeding somewhere in the body, and leaving it untreated can be dangerous. However, blood that comes from a cut inside the mouth or from swallowed nosebleeds and is then vomited is not considered true hematemesis. In such cases, you may observe your condition for a while, but if symptoms do not improve, consult a doctor.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Vomiting or Hematemesis
The most common cause of vomiting is infectious gastroenteritis. Typical pathogens include norovirus and rotavirus. Norovirus, in particular, is well known for causing outbreaks and is a virus many people have heard of at least once. The likelihood of infectious gastroenteritis increases if vomiting occurs after eating high-risk foods such as raw or undercooked shellfish, or if there are others around you with similar symptoms. Vomiting may also occur in conditions such as gallstone attacks or appendicitis (commonly known as a “ruptured appendix”).
Common causes of hematemesis include Mallory–Weiss syndrome, which typically occurs after repeated vomiting following alcohol consumption, and gastric ulcers. Ongoing bleeding can be dangerous, so prompt medical evaluation is necessary. If there is altered consciousness or a large amount of blood is vomited, the situation is considered highly urgent and an ambulance should be called immediately.
Urgent Conditions Associated With Vomiting or Hematemesis
Vomiting can also occur due to conditions originating outside the gastrointestinal system, such as the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Examples include diseases related to the heart or brain, such as myocardial infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction.
If vomiting is accompanied by chest pain, the likelihood of a myocardial infarction increases. In cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage or cerebral infarction, additional symptoms such as severe headache, altered or decreased consciousness, slurred speech, or difficulty moving the arms or legs due to paralysis are often present.
These conditions are extremely urgent and life-threatening, so an ambulance should be called immediately.
summary
- Vomiting blood is referred to as hematemesis.
- If you experience vomiting, first clean your mouth and lie down to rest.
- Vomiting can also be a symptom of conditions that may not seem directly related, such as myocardial infarction or subarachnoid hemorrhage, so it is important to pay close attention to your overall condition and level of consciousness. In all cases, prompt emergency medical attention is required.
