Vomiting green material can be an unsettling experience. This distinct color indicates the presence of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the body. While seeing green vomit can be alarming, it does not always signal a serious underlying condition. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can help guide appropriate action.
Understanding Bile’s Role
Bile is a green fluid that plays an important part in digestion. The liver continuously produces this fluid, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
Bile’s primary function is breaking down fats into smaller fatty acids, allowing the body to absorb them more easily. The green color of bile comes from specific pigments, primarily biliverdin. Biliverdin is a green pigment formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells. Bilirubin, an orange-yellow pigment, is also present, but biliverdin often dominates the color.
Common Reasons for Green Vomit
Green vomit occurs when the stomach is empty. After repeated vomiting, the stomach may clear its contents, leaving only bile to be expelled. This is seen in cases of stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, or some cases of food poisoning.
Morning sickness during pregnancy can also lead to green vomit, particularly when an individual has an empty stomach. Consuming excessive alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, may irritate the digestive system and result in the vomiting of bile. In these scenarios, the green color is not a cause for alarm, indicating the digestive system is expelling bile in the absence of other stomach contents.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While often benign, green vomit can signal a more serious health issue that requires medical evaluation. Persistent vomiting, especially if it prevents keeping fluids down, can lead to dehydration, manifesting as dizziness or headache. Severe abdominal pain, particularly if it is crampy, or if accompanied by a swollen, firm belly, requires immediate attention.
Green vomit, combined with an inability to pass gas or stool, may indicate an intestinal obstruction, a condition where a blockage prevents food or liquid from moving through the intestines. Other concerning symptoms include a fever, blood in the vomit, or if the green vomit appears after an injury. Seeking medical advice is important if vomiting lasts longer than 48 hours, or if there are other concerning symptoms like significant weight loss or severe chest pain.