Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, a reflex action to rid the body of harmful substances or respond to internal stimuli. While an unpleasant experience, the color of vomit can sometimes offer clues about underlying conditions or what has been consumed. This article explores the different colors vomit can take and what each might signify.
Common Vomit Colors and Their Causes
When the stomach is empty, vomit may appear clear, consisting of swallowed saliva and stomach acids. This is common after repeated vomiting or from conditions like morning sickness, food poisoning, or stomach flu.
White or foamy vomit can occur with excess gas in the stomach, often associated with acid reflux or certain foods like milk or ice cream. It can also be a mix of stomach acid, mucus, and saliva when the stomach is empty.
Yellow or light green vomit often indicates the presence of bile, a greenish-yellow digestive fluid from the liver and gallbladder. This color appears when the stomach is empty of food, or bile has not been fully digested. This can happen with food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Orange vomit is frequently seen in the initial stages of an illness as partially digested food is expelled.
Concerning Vomit Colors and What They Indicate
Red or pink vomit often signals the presence of fresh blood. Bright red blood suggests active bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus or stomach. Potential causes range from peptic ulcers and inflammation of the esophagus or stomach lining to a tear in the esophagus from forceful vomiting or even tumors. Even small streaks or flecks of blood warrant attention.
Dark brown or black vomit, often described as “coffee ground” in appearance, indicates older, partially digested blood. The dark color results from iron in the blood reacting with stomach acid. This type of vomit signals internal bleeding within the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from bleeding ulcers, severe gastritis, or esophageal varices, and requires immediate professional evaluation.
Persistently bright green vomit, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms, can suggest a bile duct obstruction. While some green vomit is due to bile from an empty stomach, a consistent, vibrant green color could mean bile is backing up into the stomach due to an obstruction in the intestines. This situation can occur with conditions such as intestinal obstruction. Such instances warrant medical consultation.
External Factors Affecting Vomit Color
Beyond internal bodily processes, the color of vomit can also be influenced by substances that have been recently consumed. Foods with strong natural pigments, such as red berries or leafy green vegetables, can impart their color to vomit if not fully digested. Artificial food dyes present in candies, beverages, or processed foods can similarly alter the color of expelled stomach contents. For example, consuming brightly colored sodas or desserts might result in vomit that reflects those vibrant hues.
Certain medications and supplements can also change vomit color. Iron supplements, for instance, can cause vomit to appear dark brown or black due to iron, resembling coffee grounds. This is distinct from old blood and is a common, non-alarming side effect.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional vomiting often resolves on its own, certain signs warrant prompt medical evaluation. Vomit containing bright red blood or appearing like dark brown “coffee grounds” requires immediate emergency attention. Persistently bright green vomit, especially with severe abdominal pain, should be assessed by a healthcare professional. These colors can indicate internal bleeding or an obstruction.
Medical attention is also advised if vomiting lasts for more than 24 hours in children under two, 12 hours in infants, or more than two days in adults. Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness, or confusion, also necessitate medical care. Severe abdominal pain, chest pain, a stiff neck, a high fever, or an inability to keep any fluids down are additional reasons to seek professional help.