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Posted by on Dec 23, 2015 in TellMeWhy |

How Will You Explain Coffee-ground Emesis?

How Will You Explain Coffee-ground Emesis?

How Will You Explain Coffee-ground Emesis? Coffee-ground emesis is the term used for when someone has episodes of vomiting that resembles used coffee grounds. Coffee ground emesis may be a result of various conditions including alcohol abuse, ulcers, or internal bleeding.

The most common cause is an ulcer in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. The ulcer, an open sore, leaks blood into the stomach causing nausea. The gastric juices mix with the iron in the blood, oxidizing it, and causing it to turn dark brown.

This is a result of coagulated blood in the vomit. Vomiting blood is also known as hematemesis. The color of the vomited blood will vary depending on how long the blood was in your gastrointestinal system.

If there is a delay in vomiting, the blood will appear dark red, brown, or black. Clotted blood within the vomit will make it appear like coffee grounds. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Be sure to note the time and amount you vomited, and anything that might have caused the vomiting. If possible, you should take a sample of the vomit to your doctor for further testing.

Content for this question contributed by Darrell Morrison, resident of Mountain Home, Baxter County, Arkansas, USA