Why Would an Elderly Person Vomit Blood?

Hematemesis is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe the condition of blood being expelled from the stomach through the mouth, either through vomiting or spitting. The expelled blood is typically dark red and may contain food residue. Patients may also experience symptoms such as discomfort and pain in the rib area. It is crucial to take hematemesis in the elderly seriously and promptly investigate the underlying cause. Once diagnosed, targeted treatment should be administered.

There are numerous potential causes of hematemesis in the elderly. These include ruptures in the oral mucosa, lung issues such as pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases, and even heart conditions. It is essential to undergo detailed medical examinations and receive timely, targeted treatment.

Hematemesis, as defined in traditional Chinese medicine, refers to the expulsion of blood from the stomach through the mouth, either through vomiting or spitting. The expelled blood is often dark red and may contain food residue, accompanied by symptoms such as discomfort and pain in the rib area. This condition is typically caused by heat accumulation in the stomach, liver depression leading to fire, blockage of blood vessels, or damage to the stomach's yang meridians. In some cases, it may also be due to deficiency of qi and blood in the middle burner.

Hematemesis is also known as hematemesis or epistaxis, with the distinction being based on whether the expulsion is accompanied by a sound. However, it is often difficult to distinguish between the two, and they are generally referred to interchangeably. This condition is commonly seen in acute bleeding in the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and the upper segment of the jejunum.

In Western medicine, hematemesis is primarily associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common causes include bleeding from gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as esophageal and gastric varices resulting from liver cirrhosis. Other causes include esophagitis, acute and chronic gastritis, gastric mucosal prolapse, and certain systemic diseases such as hematological disorders, uremia, and stress ulcers. When these diseases cause hematemesis, it is important to refer to this information for differential diagnosis and treatment.