Causes Of Hematemesis

Hemorrhagic Fever

Viral hemorrhagic fever refers to a collection of infectious diseases that prevent blood from clotting while damaging the walls of blood vessels to make them leak. This collection includes yellow fever, Lassa fever, Marburg fever, dengue fever, and Ebola. These diseases are most common in tropical areas and cause internal bleeding that may be somewhat minor to life-threatening.

While the symptoms depend on the virus, common symptoms include fatigue, a high fever, muscle and joint aches, weakness, and dizziness. Bleeding may occur under the skin, in organs, and from the eyes, ears, and mouth. Vomiting blood may also be seen.

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Bleeding Ulcers

A peptic or stomach ulcer occurs when stomach acid causes damage to the lining of the digestive tract. Most ulcers are caused by H. pylori, a bacterial infection in the stomach that weakens the mucous coating of the stomach and allows stomach acid to reach the more sensitive lining beneath it. These open sores can cause burning pain in the stomach, a feeling of bloating, heartburn, nausea, and intolerance to fatty foods. In about twenty-five percent of patients, ulcers cause no symptoms at all.

While usually not serious, ulcers can perforate the gut or bleed very heavily. Bleeding ulcers can cause anemia, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fatigue. A heavily bleeding ulcer may also cause black, sticky stool and bloody vomit. When a bleeding ulcer is responsible for hematemesis, the vomit usually has the color and consistency of coffee grounds.

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