Q. What are the common causes of hematemesis?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Hematemesis, the act of vomiting blood, can be caused by a range of underlying medical conditions. Some of the common causes of hematemesis include:
1. Peptic ulcers: These are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, and they can bleed, leading to hematemesis.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Severe and chronic acid reflux can irritate the esophagus and potentially lead to bleeding.
3. Esophageal varices: These are swollen and fragile blood vessels in the esophagus, often associated with liver cirrhosis. Ruptured varices can result in severe bleeding and hematemesis.
4. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to erosions or bleeding, causing blood to be present in vomit.
5. Mallory-Weiss tears: These are small tears in the lining of the esophagus, often caused by forceful vomiting, which can result in hematemesis.
6. Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus can lead to bleeding and hematemesis.
7. Stomach or esophageal cancer: Tumors in the digestive tract can cause bleeding and vomiting of blood.
8. Swallowed blood: In some cases, hematemesis may result from the swallowing of a significant amount of blood from the nose, throat, or mouth, which is then vomited.
9. Blood disorders: Certain blood clotting disorders or bleeding disorders can increase the risk of hematemesis.
10. Medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood-thinning medications, can contribute to gastrointestinal bleeding and hematemesis.
11. Infections: Infections of the digestive tract, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, can lead to ulcers and bleeding.
12. Trauma: Injury or trauma to the upper digestive tract can cause bleeding and hematemesis.
13. Erosive gastritis: This condition is characterized by the erosion of the stomach lining, leading to bleeding.
14. Portal hypertension: High blood pressure in the portal vein, often associated with liver disease, can cause varices and lead to hematemesis.
15. Alcohol or drug abuse: Excessive alcohol or drug use can irritate and damage the digestive tract, increasing the risk of bleeding.
It's important to seek immediate medical attention when experiencing hematemesis, as it can be a sign of a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The underlying cause must be determined by a healthcare professional.
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