Color of vomit due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on May 22, 2025

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The color of vomit from upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be bright red or coffee-colored liquid. Because if the bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract exceeds 200ml, it can lead to vomiting blood. At this time, the vomited blood combines with stomach acid, turning into a coffee-colored liquid. If the bleeding is massive and does not have enough time to mix thoroughly with the stomach acid, it might result in the vomiting of bright red blood. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an emergency in gastroenterology, and it requires prompt medical treatment. It's also crucial to thoroughly complete an endoscopic examination to make an accurate diagnosis. If necessary, hemostatic treatment can be performed under gastroscopy.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

48sec

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Can you eat egg custard with upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

As for whether one can eat egg custard when experiencing upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it requires specific analysis of the situation. If it is during the acute phase of bleeding, such as just after vomiting blood, at that moment, one cannot eat anything and must fast. If the upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been treated and the patient has largely recovered, then they can eat egg custard, as well as other liquid or semi-liquid foods. Therefore, whether a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding can eat egg custard depends on the patient's condition. Once a patient experiences upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention at a reputable hospital's gastroenterology department to undergo thorough examinations, such as an endoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

50sec

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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding includes which areas?

In clinical practice, bleeding in the digestive system above the ligament of Treitz is referred to as upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It primarily includes the following areas: The first major category is esophageal diseases, such as esophagitis, esophageal trauma, and other causes of bleeding. The second category is duodenal diseases, such as peptic ulcers, acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis, stomach cancer, etc. Another cause is liver cirrhosis leading to portal hypertension, which can cause rupture and bleeding in esophageal and gastric varices. The fourth category includes biliary system and pancreatic diseases involving the duodenum, such as pancreatic cancer, which can also lead to bleeding.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

48sec

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The cause of vomiting coffee-colored substances due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding results in the vomiting of coffee-colored blood because the combination of fresh blood with stomach acid forms a coffee-colored liquid. If the bleeding volume exceeds 200mL in a short period, coffee-colored vomit may occur. It is necessary to seek prompt medical attention at a regular hospital’s gastroenterology or emergency department. Adequate diagnosis with an electronic gastroscopy is essential to identify the source and location of the bleeding, and active endoscopic treatment should be undertaken. Additionally, it is crucial to actively replenish fluids, correct the loss of body water, and restore blood volume. Treatment should also include the use of proton pump inhibitors and gastric mucosal protectants.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

41sec

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Preferred examination method for upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is very common clinically. If the patient's respiratory and circulatory systems are stable, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be performed to further identify the bleeding site. Of course, it is also necessary to dynamically monitor blood tests and coagulation function, and pay attention to the patient's vomiting and rectal bleeding. The clinical treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding mainly involves transfusions to replenish blood volume and conservative medical treatment for hemostasis. If conservative medical treatment is not effective, surgical intervention can be considered.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 20sec

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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding generally refers to bleeding caused by esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions, which clinically manifests most commonly as vomiting blood and blood in stools. Of course, some patients may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and chest tightness. Common causes to be aware of include inflammation, ulcers, tumors, and vascular malformations, especially gastric and duodenal ulcers which are relatively common in clinical settings. The fastest diagnosis mainly relies on gastroscopy, thus it is recommended that patients who suspect upper gastrointestinal bleeding should undergo a gastroscopy as soon as their condition stabilizes to determine the specific cause of the bleeding, such as digestive tract ulcers or even tumors. For treatment, conservative medical management is initially advised, focusing on aggressive fluid replenishment, acid suppression for gastric protection, and blood volume supplementation. Once the gastroscopy provides a clear diagnosis, the treatment plan should be promptly adjusted.