Haematemesis is generally preceded by a feeling of oppression, weight, and dull or pungent pain in the epigastric and in the hypochondriac regions; by anxiety, and occasionally, by syncope. Blood is then passed by vomiting, and sometimes, also, by stool, - the blood being generally of a grnmous aspect. Haematemesis may be active or passive, acute or chronic. The blood effused proceeds from rupture of vessel, or from a sanguineous exhalation at the surface of the mucous membrane of the stomach. It is often observed in females whose menstrual secretion is irregularly performed. It is not of much danger, except when connected with disease of some of the solid viscera of the abdomen. On dissection of those who have died from protracted haematemesis, - for the acute kind is comparatively devoid of danger, - the mucous membrane of the stomach is found red and inflamed, or black, and the vessels considerably dilated. Complete abstinence from food; rest; the horizontal posture; bleeding, if the hemorrhage be active; cold, acidulous drinks, c., constitute the usual treatment.
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Last updated January 14, 2008