Hi doctor, I stopped drinking for a few days. Yesterday, I drank three drinks with a margarita and a couple of glasses of wine. I have not eaten dinner and went to bed. I woke up at 5 AM with a feeling of nausea. I vomited a few times, and I noticed a few small pink streaks. I think it might be blood with the vomiting. Do I need to go to urgent care?
Hi. It is likely gastritis caused by irritation due to alcohol. These pink streaks are less likely to occur as blood in vomiting. It is usually mixed well and dark colored due to acid. Even if it is blood, it may be a minor erosion in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. It is usually not worrisome, and it will settle with antacids. However, there is no harm in getting yourself examined in ER (emergency care) especially if you are having recurrent vomiting or if the blood reappears, with severe abdominal pain. Get your BP (blood pressure) checked once if you have electronic BP apparatus at home. Have plenty of water, avoid spicy food, and soft drinks. Have some antacids like tablet Pantoprazole or Lansoprazole twice a day for three to four days and syrup Gelusil (Aluminium hydroxide with Magnesium hydroxide) three times a day.