What is Coffee Ground Emesis?

When someone vomits blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds, it is called “coffee ground emesis.” It is an indicator of gastrointestinal bleeding. Anyone who has this symptom should seek medical attention immediately. The underlying cause of the bleeding can vary from gastric ulcers to esophageal varices related to cirrhosis. It may be mild to severe and could lead to death if not treated.

There are several conditions that can cause this symptom including stomach ulcers, esophageal varices related cirrhosis, and gastritis. The color of the vomit varies from dark red to black or brown. The shade of the vomit depends on how long the blood has remained in the GI tract and is affected by acid in the stomach.

The doctor will perform a physical exam and review the patient’s health history to determine the cause of the vomiting. A nasogastric (NG) tube will be inserted to sample the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and identify any active bleeding sites. A hematocrit or hemoglobin test is also performed to check for the level of red blood cells in the body.

Once the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal bleeding has been identified, the appropriate treatment is implemented. Initially, fluid resuscitation is given to maintain adequate hydration and lower the amount of blood loss. Medications are administered to reduce the production of stomach acids and promote clotting. Endoscopic interventions are utilized when possible to prevent re-bleeding. These can include the use of clips, hemospray, or abdominal surgery.