• Digestive Disorders

What Causes Black Vomit?

Black vomit is an uncommon medical condition that can leave you feeling quite unsettled — and for good reason. It often indicates a serious underlying issue that requires immediate medical attention.

If left untreated, the causes of black vomit can become severe and even be fatal. 

Why is My Vomit Black?

Black vomit — also known as coffee ground vomitus — is, as the name suggests, a type of vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

The color usually comes from clotted blood caused by a medical condition.

This condition is often a sign that you are bleeding internally, typically around the gastrointestinal (GI) tract — which includes your esophagus, stomach, and parts of the small intestine.

Black vomit is usually an indication that you need to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences.

What are Common Black Vomit Causes?

There are a number of medical conditions that can cause black vomit. All of these have to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers are sores or tears that occur in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. 

These ulcers are usually caused by bacterial infection, overusing certain medications, or frequently drinking alcohol.

Prolonged periods of extreme stress can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

Symptoms like pain and inflammation of the gut are common when an ulcer develops.

You might also experience:

• Abdominal pain that worsens after eating

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Severe chest pain

In rare cases, ulcers may rupture and start to bleed. If the blood is ingested, it can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract occurs when the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine becomes damaged. 

It usually happens as a result of acute inflammation, ulcers, or bacterial infection and can cause severe abdominal pain.

This condition can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening if left untreated.

Black vomit is usually an indication that the underlying condition is severe, because the bleeding has started to irritate the GI tract.

Variceal hemorrhage

A variceal hemorrhage is acute bleeding of an enlarged blood vessel, which developed because of scarring in the liver.

This scarring puts pressure on the vessels and causes blood to flow into the esophagus. Over time, the blood vessels in the esophagus dilate and weaken, eventually leaking or bursting.

Leaks cause blood to enter the stomach, which is how it can show up in your vomit or stool.

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer usually affects the main part of the GI tract, where the esophagus meets the stomach.

Tumors that develop in the lining of the stomach may damage blood vessels, causing them to bleed.

These growths are also known to have fragile blood vessels which can break and contribute to internal bleeding.

Stomach cancer is a rare cause of internal bleeding, only accounting for up to 5% of upper GI bleeding cases.

You might also experience other symptoms like unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

How is the Cause of Black Vomit Diagnosed?

The cause of black vomit must be diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider. This is because these causes often involve complex medical issues that require professional care.

They will likely ask about your medical history and if you’re taking any medication. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms before performing a physical exam.

In most cases, you will also need to do blood tests that will be evaluated in a lab.

Your health care provider may also send you for imaging or other tests to determine the cause of your black vomit.

Can Black Vomit Be Treated?

Black vomit can largely be treated and healed, depending on the cause and severity of the underlying condition.

Your doctor will determine the severity of the condition and recommend a treatment plan for you to follow. 

Prescription medication

If the cause of your black coffee ground vomit is mild, your doctor may prescribe medication to help treat and heal it. This may include:

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that cause ulcers

• Acid-reducing medication that reduces the severity of stomach ulcers and helps the stomach to heal

• Antacids to alleviate symptoms associated with peptic ulcers by neutralizing harmful bile and stomach acid

• Protective medication that prevents the stomach lining from becoming more damaged

• Beta-blockers once the bleeding is controlled to reduce blood pressure and prevent veins from becoming damaged

Medical procedures

For more severe causes — like cancer or any acute conditions — your doctor will likely recommend a more intense treatment plan.

This may include:

• Surgical procedures

• Chemotherapy or radiation

• Immunotherapy

• Rubber band ligation to close off bleeding veins

Your health care provider may also suggest a process called replacement therapy. This is usually for patients who suffer from a bacterial infection.

Replacement therapy involves receiving clotting factors through an IV that helps to stop the bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Where Can I Learn More About Black Vomit and Other Related Conditions?

While LifeMD offers care to patients with chronic conditions, black vomit is typically an indication that you need to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences. 

If you or someone close to you experiences black vomit, seek in-person medical care immediately.

This being said, if you’re concerned about your general health or want to learn more about any of the underlying conditions of black vomit discussed in this article, LifeMD may be able to help.

LifeMD can offer guidance on ways to maintain healthy habits that may support the management of your condition and avoid further complications.

Additionally, a licensed medical provider may be able to treat other conditions contributing to black vomit.

Make an appointment today to get started.

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