When a person vomits yellow fluid, it often indicates the presence of bile. While this can be an alarming experience, it is a common occurrence in various situations.
What Yellow Vomit Is
Yellow vomit primarily consists of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. The liver continuously makes bile, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. Bile’s primary function in the digestive system is to help break down fats in the small intestine, preparing them for absorption into the body.
The yellowish-green color of bile comes from bilirubin, a pigment formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bile is released into the small intestine after meals to aid digestion. When it appears in vomit, it means the bile has traveled backward from the small intestine into the stomach and then been expelled.
Reasons for Yellow Vomit
Vomiting yellow bile can happen for several reasons, ranging from relatively benign to more serious underlying conditions. A common cause is vomiting on an empty stomach. When no food is present, the body expels digestive fluids, including bile, making it noticeable. This can occur after prolonged periods without food or during illnesses like stomach flu or food poisoning, where repeated vomiting has already cleared stomach contents.
Another reason for yellow vomit is bile reflux, a condition where bile flows backward from the small intestine into the stomach and sometimes into the esophagus. This can result from a malfunction of the pyloric sphincter, a muscular valve between the stomach and small intestine that normally prevents bile from entering the stomach. Bile reflux may also occur after certain surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gallbladder removal.
Intestinal blockages can also lead to yellow vomit. When the small or large intestine becomes physically blocked or damaged, digestive fluids, including bile, can accumulate and be forced backward into the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting. Conditions like hernias, adhesions from previous surgeries, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause such blockages. Cyclic vomiting syndrome, a rare condition characterized by recurrent, severe episodes of nausea and vomiting, can also result in yellow vomit as the stomach empties during these intense periods.
When to Be Concerned
While occasionally vomiting yellow bile might not indicate a serious problem, certain accompanying symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours should prompt a doctor’s visit. Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, reduced urination, dry mouth, or dizziness, indicate a need for medical evaluation.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Severe abdominal pain, especially if intense or in waves.
Blood in the vomit, appearing bright red or like coffee grounds.
A high fever, stiff neck, or blurred vision alongside yellow vomit.
For infants and children, any green or yellow vomit, as it can signal a twisted or blocked bowel.
Steps for Relief and Recovery
Once yellow vomiting has occurred and immediate medical concerns are ruled out, several steps can help manage symptoms and support recovery at home. Rehydration is a primary focus to prevent fluid loss. It involves sipping small amounts of clear fluids like water, diluted fruit juices, or electrolyte solutions frequently over several hours, rather than drinking large quantities at once, which can trigger more vomiting.
Resting is important as the body recovers from the strain of vomiting. Avoiding solid foods for a short period, typically 15 to 20 minutes after vomiting, allows the stomach to settle. Gradually reintroducing bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) can help when appetite returns. It is helpful to avoid foods that are fatty, spicy, or have strong odors, as these can irritate the stomach.