How long can a person with cirrhosis survive if they are vomiting blood and passing black stools?

Feb 23, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Chao

Introduction

The life expectancy for someone with cirrhosis who is vomiting blood and passing black stool depends on individual circumstances. Vomiting blood and passing black stool indicate a very serious condition. If the patient routinely avoids eating hard or large pieces of food, receives appropriate medical treatment for bleeding, remains on bed rest, and reduces the burden on the liver, survival is typically around two years. However, without proper treatment and adequate care, life expectancy may be significantly shortened.

How long a person with cirrhosis who is vomiting blood and passing black stool can survive depends on individual circumstances.

Vomiting blood and passing black stool in cirrhosis is mainly caused by portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis, which leads to esophageal and gastric varices. When these veins are irritated or rubbed, they may rupture and bleed, resulting in hematemesis (vomiting blood). When a large amount of blood accumulates in the stomach and passes through the digestive tract into the rectum, it appears as black, tarry stool (melena). This indicates that cirrhosis has become very severe. If patients avoid eating hard or large pieces of food, receive medical treatment for bleeding control, and rest in bed to reduce the burden on the liver, they may typically survive about two years. However, without proper treatment and adequate care, life expectancy may be significantly shortened.

In advanced stages of cirrhosis, it is essential to treat complications as well as address the underlying causes of cirrhosis actively.

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