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Warning-sign checks

Vomiting blood: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if:

    • Bleeding is heavy, continuing, or happening repeatedly
    • You feel faint, confused, very weak, or short of breath
    • Your skin is pale, cold, or clammy
    • You have severe or worsening belly or chest pain
    • You have black, sticky bowel movements with weakness or dizziness
    • You collapse or cannot stay awake

    Avoid food and drink while waiting for emergency advice, unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

    Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner without medical instructions unless emergency staff tell you to do so.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent medical help for any vomit containing blood or coffee-ground material, even if it happens only once.

    If the bleeding has stopped and you otherwise feel well, arrange urgent same-day assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after the urgent problem has been assessed.

    This may be needed to review test results, check for anaemia, or make sure treatment is working.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell.

If possible, have someone stay with you.

Bring a list of your medicines, especially blood thinners like warfarin or apixaban , aspirin, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vomiting blood. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.