Alcohol consumption has risen in today’s society, transcending different age groups. For many, it has become a daily habit regardless of the serious health risks it brings to the drinker. Alcohol has been linked to behavioral disorders, mental illnesses, and non-communicable diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers. Among these problems, a frequently reported complication is finding blood in vomit after drinking.
Vomiting blood after drinking is not something to be taken lightly. Hematemesis typically signifies a digestive issue, which can often be serious in nature. It’s best to seek medical help immediately if you experience this symptom; don’t hesitate!
In this article, we’ll look at how to avoid the presence of blood in vomit following consuming alcohol, examine its causes and discuss what steps should be taken when even small amounts are noticed.
What are the Causes of Blood In Vomit After Drinking Alcohol?
There are several reasons for blood in vomit after drinking alcohol. For this, how much alcohol someone drinks, the person’s lifestyle, as well as their health can be affected. Some of the reasons for blood in vomit after drinking alcohol are given below:
You have Gastritis
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, known as gastritis, is a major cause of blood in vomit after drinking alcohol. A person may consequently suffer the following signs and symptoms:
- Discomfort in the stomach
- Stool and blood are mingled together.
- Light headache and breathing difficulties
- Vomiting blood
Experienced Internal Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to the development of open sores in the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. In such instances, consuming alcohol again increases the chance of vomiting blood, which can cause a great deal of discomfort after erosion of the gastrointestinal tract’s protective covering.
Peptic ulcer signs and symptoms include:
- Stomach discomfort and bloating
- Nausea indigestion
- Abdominal ache that is burning
According to research, men who have one or two beers daily are likelier to get peptic ulcers.
Your Liver Has Suffered Harm
Long-term alcohol use increases other diseases and damage, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis. The person may be faced vomiting with blood after drinking alcohol by continuing to use alcohol after injury to the liver.
A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology Trusted Source found that 10-20% of heavy drinkers who use alcohol regularly experience serious liver damage.
This illness may result in consequences that lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting blood
- Anorexia
- Severe thirst
- Damage and inflammation in the liver
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin
- Blood, tar, or black stool
Alcohol-related liver illness might increase the likelihood of developing additional conditions, including varices or ulcers.
Symptoms of Blood in Vomit After Drinking Alcohol
If you experience the following symptoms along with blood in the vomit after drinking alcohol, seek emergency treatment immediately.
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Pale, clammy skin
What To Do If You Notice Blood in Your Vomit
If you see blood in your vomit, you can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Don’t panic and stay calm.
Step 2: Stop eating and drinking alcohol.
Step 3: If more blood comes out, spit it out.
Step 4: Don’t brush your teeth in a hurry.
Step 5: Get a report of the symptoms that occur.
If there is further bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment Options for a Small Amount of Blood in Vomit After Drinking Alcohol
Below are various treatments available to deal with hematemesis (vomiting blood) after consuming alcohol.
Medical Treatments
Inflammation from infections usually calls for anti-inflammatory drugs and/or antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery might be required to fix the problem. However, these procedures should be carried out by a licensed medical practitioner.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular form of psychotherapy used to treat alcohol addiction; it teaches people how to better manage their emotions by focusing on thoughts and beliefs. Additionally, 12-step Facilitation Therapy guides patients towards accepting their addiction and striving for sobriety through structured guidance – together forming an effective psychological approach that aids those struggling with alcoholism.
Medications
Meds are essential in tackling alcohol abuse. A variety of pharmaceuticals have been proven to assist with recoveries, such as nalmefene, disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone – all working differently from one another for the best results when used along with therapy or counseling. Mental health professionals frequently prescribe these medications to those struggling with alcoholism.
How To Prevent Vomiting Blood After Drinking Alcohol?
You can avoid vomiting blood after drinking alcohol by following the tips below.
- Avoid using alcohol as your only drink; Hydrate with other drinks.
- Do not combine alcohol with other drugs or substances.
- Eat bland foods and avoid spicy foods.
- To prevent the rapid absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and guard your gastrointestinal tract, it’s best to consume some food prior to drinking.
Follow these simple steps to cut down on your alcohol consumption and stay safe:
- Stick to 14 units or less per week – that’s no more than 6 pints of beer, 5 glasses of wine, or 14 shots!
- Spread those drinks out over three days (or more) for steady sipping instead of one bender-filled night.
- Steer clear from binge drinking – having just 1-2 heavy sessions every week can increase the risk of death due to accidents and chronic illnesses.
- Take a few booze-free days each week if you want an extra challenge – plus, it’ll help with hangovers too!
Conclusion
If you’ve been throwing up a bit of blood after drinking, it’s time to get some medical help. Don’t eat or brush your teeth until then – this is serious and can indicate something as minor as an intestinal injury or even more severe, like gastritis, ulceration, or liver injury. To prevent binge-drinking episodes from happening in the future, lay off un-hydrated spirits and spicy food while also limiting yourself to 14 units of alcohol per week at most! Make sure to nourish your body before hitting the booze, too.
It’ll make all the difference in avoiding nasty mishaps later on. In extreme cases where regurgitating blood is caused by excessive boozing habits, doctors may recommend drugs/psychological therapy alongside possible surgery – so listen carefully when they give their advice!
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
