What illness causes elderly people to vomit blood and pass blood in stool?

Blood in vomit and stool in elderly individuals may be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophageal fistulas, liver cirrhosis, or other conditions.

1. Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Rupture or damage to blood vessels in the digestive tract—such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine—can allow blood to enter the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal hemorrhage and symptoms such as vomiting blood and bloody stools. Under medical guidance, medications such as somatostatin for injection, norepinephrine bitartrate injection, and posterior pituitary injection may be used to control bleeding and alleviate symptoms.

2. Gastric Ulcer

Inflammation or infection caused by this condition may lead to blood vessel dilation and bleeding, resulting in symptoms such as hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (blood in stool), and stomach pain. It is recommended to take medications that protect the gastric mucosa under a doctor’s supervision. Commonly used drugs include hydrotalcite chewable tablets, sucralfate tablets, and bismuth potassium citrate capsules, which help improve symptoms.

3. Duodenal Ulcer

When this disease causes damage to the mucosal layer of the duodenum, underlying blood vessels may become injured, leading to symptoms such as hematemesis, blood in stool, and severe epigastric pain. It is recommended to take medications such as omeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and ranitidine hydrochloride capsules under medical guidance. These drugs help suppress gastric acid secretion and relieve discomfort.

4. Esophageal Fistula

This condition may damage the esophageal wall, creating an abnormal connection (fistula) between the esophagus and adjacent structures such as the trachea, main bronchus, or aorta. This allows blood or intestinal contents to enter the esophagus, causing symptoms including bloody stool, vomiting blood, coughing, and chest pain. Treatment under the care of a specialist—such as surgical repair or stent placement—is recommended to alleviate symptoms.

5. Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by scarring and damage to liver tissue. It can increase pressure in the hepatic portal system, leading to esophageal varices—enlarged, fragile veins in the esophagus that are prone to rupture and cause vomiting or spitting up blood. Under medical supervision, treatment may include platelet-boosting therapies to reduce bleeding risk. Commonly used medications include caffeic acid tablets, aminopeptide tablets, and thrombocyte-increasing capsules.

It is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation and actively pursue treatment under a physician's guidance to prevent symptom progression and complicate management. During illness, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, and refrain from excessive fatigue to support recovery.