The presence of blood in your spit that originates from your stomach, also known as hematemesis, usually indicates bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What is the Upper GI Tract?
The upper GI tract includes:
- Esophagus: The tube connecting your mouth to your stomach.
- Stomach: Where food is digested.
- Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine.
Why Blood From the Upper GI May Appear in Your Spit
According to the provided reference, vomiting blood is a sign of bleeding inside your upper GI tract. Here's how it works:
- Internal Bleeding: If there is bleeding in your esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, the blood may come back up through your esophagus and be expelled during vomiting.
- Swallowed Blood (Less Likely): While possible, the reference notes that if you haven’t swallowed blood from a nosebleed or mouth bleed, the blood in your vomit is coming from inside your upper digestive system. So, if you are spitting blood that tastes like it came from your stomach or you are vomiting blood, you must have an upper GI tract bleed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you're experiencing blood in your spit or vomit, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. Some potential causes can be serious, and a medical professional needs to determine the specific cause.
Summary Table
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vomiting/spitting up blood | Bleeding in upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum) | Provided Reference |
| Blood in spit from the stomach | Upper GI tract bleeding | Provided Reference |
