What would make a person vomit blood?

Vomiting blood, also known as hematemesis, is a medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, some of which can be serious. Here are some potential causes of vomiting blood:

1. Gastrointestinal Bleeding:

- Peptic Ulcers: Open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum can bleed and cause vomiting of blood.

- Esophageal Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus, often caused by liver disease, can rupture and lead to vomiting of blood.

- Mallory-Weiss Tears: These are tears in the lining of the esophagus caused by forceful vomiting or retching.

2. Trauma:

- Swallowing a Foreign Object: Sharp or rough objects can cause injury and bleeding in the esophagus or stomach.

- Blunt Abdominal Trauma: Severe physical trauma to the abdomen can damage internal organs and cause bleeding.

3. Infections:

- Helicobacter pylori Infection: This bacterial infection can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding.

- Viral Gastroenteritis: Certain viruses, such as norovirus or rotavirus, can cause severe vomiting and lead to bleeding in the digestive tract.

4. Liver Disease:

- Cirrhosis: Advanced liver disease can lead to portal hypertension and bleeding from esophageal varices.

5. Esophageal Cancer:

- Tumors in the esophagus can cause bleeding and vomiting of blood.

6. Blood Clotting Disorders:

- Von Willebrand Disease or Hemophilia: These disorders affect blood clotting and can cause excessive bleeding.

7. Medications:

- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Long-term use of NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

8. Aortic Dissection:

- A tear in the aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart, can cause bleeding into the digestive tract and lead to vomiting of blood.

It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience vomiting blood. The doctor will perform tests to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. Self-treatment is not recommended in such cases.