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Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood. [1] This is usually vomit that contains bright red blood. [2] Coffee ground vomiting is similar to hematemesis, but is distinct in not involving bright red blood. [3] Hematemesis must be differentiated from hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and epistaxis (nosebleed). [4] Both of these are more common conditions.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is gastrointestinal bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, commonly defined as bleeding arising from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Blood may be observed in vomit or in altered form as black stool. Depending on the amount of the blood loss, symptoms may include shock.
Gastric aspiration and or lavage, where a tube is inserted into the stomach via the nose in an attempt to determine if there is blood in the stomach, if negative does not rule out an upper GI bleed [20] but if positive is useful for ruling one in. [14] Clots in the stool indicate a lower GI source while melana stools an upper one. [14]
The content of the vomitus (vomit) may be of medical interest. Fresh blood in the vomit is termed hematemesis ("blood vomiting"). Altered blood bears resemblance to coffee grounds (as the iron in the blood is oxidized) and, when this matter is identified, the term coffee-ground vomiting is used.
A lower gastrointestinal bleed is defined as bleeding originating distal to the ileocecal valve, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. [2] LGIB was previously defined as any bleed that occurs distal to the ligament of Treitz, which included the aforementioned parts of the intestine and also included the last 1/4 of the duodenum and the entire area of the jejunum and ileum. [1]
Melena is considered a medical emergency as it arises from a significant amount of bleeding. Urgent care is required to rule out serious causes and prevent potentially life-threatening emergencies. A less serious, self-limiting case of melena can occur in newborns two to three days after delivery, due to swallowed maternal blood. [citation needed]
It results in over 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency department visits and 109,000 hospitalizations. ... vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some people may also ...
The differential diagnosis can be complicated somewhat if the person exhibits only vomiting or diarrhea (rather than both). [1] Appendicitis may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and a small amount of diarrhea in up to 33% of cases. [1] This is in contrast to the large amount of diarrhea that is typical of gastroenteritis. [1]