OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns Regarding Possible Blood in Vomit After Eating and Drinking

7/19/2025, 4:10:26 AMMale25-34

I’m a 19-year-old male, weighing 300 pounds and standing 6 feet tall. I consume around ten alcoholic beverages three to four times weekly and have a documented history of severe acid reflux. Recently, I experienced something unusual that I’ve never encountered before. Is it possible that the substance in my vomit is blood? Earlier, I had some chicken wings and enjoyed a Diet Pepsi. Could that be the reason for what I’m noticing? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/19/2025, 4:10:47 AM

OpenHealth AI

Experiencing blood in vomit can be concerning, and it's essential to address this promptly. Blood in vomit, known as hematemesis, can arise from various causes, including issues related to severe acid reflux, irritation of the stomach lining, or more serious conditions.

Explanation:

Given your history of severe acid reflux and recent alcohol consumption, several possibilities could be at play:

  1. Acid Reflux: This condition can sometimes lead to irritation or damage to the esophagus and stomach, which may result in minor bleeding.
  2. Alcohol Effects: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, potentially contributing to vomiting blood, especially if consumed excessively.
  3. Dietary Factors: Foods like spicy chicken wings may irritate your stomach and could lead to vomiting, but they generally wouldn't cause blood unless there was already existing damage.

Next Steps:

  1. Assess the Vomit: If the substance looks bright red or has a "coffee ground" appearance, which indicates older blood, take this seriously.

  2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, or changes in bowel movements. This information can be helpful in assessing your situation.

  3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water and avoid irritating foods and drinks, especially alcohol, until you have a clearer understanding of the situation.

  4. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Reduce your alcohol intake, as it can exacerbate acid reflux and irritation in your gastrointestinal tract.

  5. Seek Help If Necessary: If you vomit blood again, experience severe pain, dizziness, or any other alarming symptoms, consider seeking medical advice urgently.

Your health and wellbeing are important, and being proactive about these symptoms is key. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!

Related Questions

Are Patients Ready for Their Appointments? Insights for Both Healthcare Providers and Patients

As a medical student, I would like to pose a question to both healthcare professionals and patients: 👨‍⚕️ **To the medical professionals:** In your experience, how frequently do you encounter patients who are unsure of what inquiries to make, resulting in extended consultations or confusion? Additionally, how often do you notice that patients arrive equipped with pertinent questions for discussion? 🧑‍⚕️ **To the patients:** Before attending a medical appointment, do you take the time to reflect on or jot down the inquiries you wish to raise? How often do you leave feeling that you missed addressing a key issue?

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 minute ago

Advice Following TVUS and Pap Smear

I recently consulted with a nurse practitioner at a gynecology office for my convenience—yes, I know that choice has its downsides. At 35 years old and after experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, I inquired about getting an ultrasound to check for fibroids that might be affecting my bladder. However, she dismissed my concern, stating, "fibroids don’t cause UTIs." I tried to articulate that depending on where fibroids are located, they can restrict bladder space, potentially making UTIs more likely for me than for individuals without fibroids. Given my family history of these growths and how closely my symptoms align, I felt justified in seeking this imaging. After some sarcastic commentary and heavy eye-rolling, she eventually agreed to give me the referral. Despite this, I have no intention of returning to her for interpretation of the imaging findings. Right now, my pressing question is about hydration before my ultrasound. The guideline suggests consuming 32 ounces of water, but with my active UTI, I am uncertain how much liquid I can manage without risking an embarrassing situation during the procedure. During this visit, she performed a Pap smear and returned while I was getting dressed to tell me that no one had ever pointed out I have a large cervix. Taken aback, I mentioned that it was quite the opposite; in my youth, a healthcare provider remarked on how long it took them to locate my cervix. When I asked about the implications of cervical enlargement, she shrugged and said, "I don't know, but it’s just unusual. I’ll make a note for the imaging team to check that out." For the past 20 years, I have been using continuous birth control and frequently experience signs consistent with bacterial vaginosis. Unfortunately, treatments like Flagyl and clindamycin have offered me no relief. Yesterday, I received the results from my Pap, which indicated ASCUS. I had only one previous abnormal Pap result in my teens, which indicated a high risk for HPV; fortunately, I was vaccinated, and a subsequent biopsy returned negative. I'm no stranger to defending myself against dismissive attitudes from medical professionals. However, the absurdity of this entire encounter truly struck me as amusing. It reminded me of the phrase from the show "House," highlighting that someone without proper expertise could perform these tasks just as effectively. Thank you for listening to my experience,

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Seeking Assistance for Chest Lesions

A 40-year-old woman with a history of high blood pressure is currently taking lisinopril at a daily dose of 5mg. Recently, she has observed the emergence of lesions on her chest, which initially appeared as small pustules, similar to pimples. Over the course of one to two weeks, these lesions progressed to ulcerated forms, characterized by raised red edges. Occasionally, they demonstrate mild itching or a burning sensation. The lesions are prone to bleeding, primarily from their peripheries, while the lighter area in the middle does not resemble typical healthy skin; instead, the individual pores are noticeably visible there. The scarring seen on her chest, where the skin also exhibits pore-like appearances, is a remnant of a severe outbreak of similar sores experienced six years ago. After discovering a new allergy to synthetic fabrics, she switched to wearing only 100% cotton, which effectively prevented any recurrence for years until now. For several weeks, the current lesions have persisted in a state that seems stagnant and non-healing. She has refrained from picking at them and has been treating them with over-the-counter clotrimazole and hydrocortisone, applying bandages over the affected areas. A new small lesion has unexpectedly appeared beneath the larger ones in recent days. She is desperate to find a solution to eliminate these unsightly lesions and seeks guidance on how to proceed.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Tips for Alleviating Metallic Taste from Clarithromycin

I’m a 19-year-old female currently on a regimen that includes 500 mg of Clarithromycin and 500 mg of Amoxicillin, and I’ve found the metallic aftertaste quite unbearable. Are there any suggestions for improving this unpleasant sensation?

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Inquiry Regarding Gout Management for a 65-Year-Old Man

What is the optimal timing for administering colchicine and allopurinol in the treatment of gout? Should these medications be taken simultaneously? Additionally, I am currently prescribed atorvastatin; is it safe to continue taking it alongside the other gout medications?

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
31 minutes ago