Vomiting Blood and Difficulty Swallowing: A Gastrointestinal Concern

Q: Vomiting Blood and Difficulty Swallowing: A Gastrointestinal Concern

Hello： Esophageal foreign body vomiting may lead to esophagitis and esophageal tears with bleeding. <br>It is recommended to avoid irritating foods, including tea, coffee, chocolate, and fried foods. <br>Symptoms such as chest discomfort and belching may occur. <br>Differential d

Difficulty swallowing after vomiting blood?

Hello doctor, today I had dinner at a restaurant and only ate two plates of food.
I'm not sure if I ate too quickly, but suddenly I felt bloated in my abdomen and had a tight sensation in my left chest, as if something was stuck in my esophagus.
I felt a bit nauseous, so I went to the restroom and was shocked to see that the food I vomited was mixed with fresh blood.
After that, even drinking water became uncomfortable; I felt like something was stuck in my esophagus, which was painful, and I couldn't swallow anything that felt stuck.
I couldn't eat anymore and kept feeling the urge to burp; if I didn't, I felt a heaviness in my left chest.
Previously, I usually ate soup and noodles, but today I decided to eat something better, like fried food and fried rice.
I have noticed that my bowel movements have sometimes been too soft and darker in color, and I often drink coffee and tea.
I am currently abroad and unable to seek medical attention, but I am very scared and don't know what this could be, as I have never experienced anything like this before.

Mr. Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/04/19

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Esophageal foreign body vomiting may lead to esophagitis and esophageal tears with bleeding.
It is recommended to avoid irritating foods, including tea, coffee, chocolate, and fried foods.
Symptoms such as chest discomfort and belching may occur.
Differential diagnoses include gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, and other acid-related disorders, as well as tumors.
If symptoms are severe, medical evaluation is necessary.
Treatment may include medications such as prokinetics, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers.
If needed, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be arranged.
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2012/04/19

More Info

Vomiting blood, also known as hematemesis, is a concerning symptom that can indicate a serious underlying condition. In your case, the combination of vomiting food mixed with fresh blood, along with the sensation of something being stuck in your esophagus, warrants immediate attention. It’s important to understand the potential causes and implications of these symptoms.

Firstly, the presence of blood in your vomit can arise from various sources within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Common causes include:
1. Gastritis or Ulcers: Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or the presence of ulcers can lead to bleeding. This is particularly relevant if you have a history of consuming spicy or fried foods, as these can irritate the stomach lining.

2. Esophageal Issues: Conditions such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus) can also cause bleeding. The sensation of something being stuck in your throat could indicate esophageal spasms or strictures.

3. Mallory-Weiss Tear: Forceful vomiting can lead to tears in the esophagus, resulting in bleeding. This could explain the fresh blood mixed with the food you vomited.

4. Other GI Tract Issues: Conditions affecting the upper GI tract, such as tumors or severe reflux disease, may also contribute to these symptoms.

The sensation of something being stuck in your throat, along with pain when swallowing, could indicate a blockage or severe irritation in the esophagus. This could be exacerbated by the type of food consumed, particularly if it was greasy or fried, which can be harder to digest.

Given that you mentioned having softer stools and darker stools in the past, this could indicate the presence of blood in your stool, which might suggest a more systemic issue. Dark stools can be a sign of upper GI bleeding, as the blood can change color as it passes through the digestive tract.

Here are some steps you should consider:
1. Stay Hydrated: Since you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, try to sip small amounts of water or clear fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid anything that could irritate your stomach further, such as caffeine or alcohol.

2. Avoid Solid Foods: Until you can seek medical attention, it may be wise to avoid solid foods, especially those that are hard to digest.

3. Seek Medical Attention: Although you are currently abroad and may have limited access to healthcare, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your symptoms worsen, or if you experience additional symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting, you should go to the nearest emergency room.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the frequency and appearance of your vomit and stools, as well as any new symptoms that may arise.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, it is essential to approach them with caution. Vomiting blood is not a symptom to be taken lightly, and addressing it promptly with a healthcare professional is crucial for your health and well-being. If you are unable to access immediate medical care, consider contacting a local health service or clinic for advice on how to proceed.

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