<P> Coffee ground vomitus refers to a particular appearance of vomit . Within organic heme molecules of red blood cells is the element iron, and when this iron has been exposed for some time to gastric acid, it becomes oxidized . This reaction causes the vomitus to look like ground coffee . Coffee - ground vomitus is a classic sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding . A peptic ulcer, for example, may bleed into the stomach and produce coffee - ground vomitus . There are many causes that can result in this reaction, with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being particularly common . These drugs can interfere with the stomach's natural defenses against the strongly acidic environment, causing damage to the mucosa that can result in bleeding . Therefore, it is recommended that these class of drugs should be taken with food or on a full stomach . Certain types of illnesses, however, can cause this type of vomiting, and in these cases medical attention is required immediately . </P> <P> When bright red blood is vomited, it is termed hematemesis . Hematemesis, in contrast to coffee ground vomitus, suggests that upper gastrointestinal bleeding is more acute or more severe, or originates more proximally than the stomach (for example, in the esophagus due to a Mallory - Weiss tear). This condition may be a medical emergency and urgent care may be required . </P> <P> Oxidized blood from an upper gastrointestinal bleed can also be excreted in stool . It produces blackened, "tarry" stools known as melena . </P>

What does it mean when you throw up blood that looks like coffee grounds