Overview
A Mallory-Weiss tear usually follows hard vomiting or retching, often with alcohol.
Most stop bleeding on their own.
Hard vomiting or retching can tear the lining where the food pipe meets the stomach.
Most tears stop bleeding on their own.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Blood in vomit after hard vomiting
Less common
- Black stools
When to get medical care
Causes
Forceful vomiting.
Who is more likely to get it
- Alcohol
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Endoscopy:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Avoid alcohol
- Treat what's causing the vomiting
Prevention
To lower your risk or prevent problems:
- Limit alcohol
- Treat vomiting early
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).
- A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.
Back to school, work, or sports
- School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
- Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Heavy drinkers: Higher risk.
Outlook
Most heal within days.
Most heal in a few days.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Do I need a scope?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Mallory-Weiss tear (bleeding after hard vomiting)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.