Coffee ground vomitus is vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This occurs due to the presence of coagulated blood in the vomit. Learn more about this symptom, possible causes, and treatment.

Can food cause bloody stools? Causes and when to contact a doctor. Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, ... such as bright red blood in the vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

The coffee ground appearance occurs when blood has been sitting in the stomach for an extended period. Vomiting blood is a medical emergency. Seek treatment immediately, whatever the cause.

Sometimes these specks are described as having a “coffee grounds” appearance. As a general rule, the longer blood travels in the GI tract, the darker it tends to be in the stool.