Color Guide for Vomit: Interpreting Significance in Different Hues
Vomit can provide valuable clues about a person's health, with different colours indicating various underlying causes. This article aims to help you understand what these colours might mean and when medical attention is required.
Red or Bright Red Vomit
Red or bright red vomit suggests fresh blood, indicating bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention [1].
Brown or Coffee Ground-Like Vomit
Brown or coffee ground-like vomit often signifies partially digested blood or fecal matter. This may result from upper GI bleeding, bowel obstruction, or severe constipation, and demands immediate medical evaluation [1].
Black Vomit
Black vomit typically represents digested blood that has oxidized, signaling internal GI bleeding from conditions like perforations or cancer. This is a critical emergency and requires immediate medical attention [1].
Green Vomit
Green vomit is usually bile from the GI tract, common after repeated vomiting, and often not dangerous by itself. However, it can indicate intestinal blockage when accompanied by abdominal pain or fever, warranting medical care [3].
Yellow Vomit
Yellow vomit may relate to bile or liver issues and should be evaluated especially if persistent or associated with jaundice [2][5].
Other Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention
In addition to the colour of vomit, other symptoms that indicate the need for medical attention include persistent vomiting or frequent vomiting with dehydration signs, vomiting accompanied by high fever, rash, stiff neck, lethargy, or severe abdominal pain, forceful vomiting in infants, vomiting with signs of confusion, severe agitation, or inability to wake, and vomiting with blood streaks or unusual colours combined with abdominal pain or systemic symptoms [1][2][3][4].
When to Seek Medical Attention
People should contact a doctor if they experience severe dehydration, significant weight loss, inability to keep fluids down, dizziness, headache, or vomiting for more than 48 hours. Other conditions such as peptic ulcers or alcohol-related hepatitis may be indicated by brown vomit. Orange vomit is the colour of partially digested foods, while clear vomit is most commonly from swallowed saliva. Vomiting that resembles dark coffee grounds should be a cause for concern and require medical attention [1][2][3][4].
Changes in vomit colour and texture are generally not a cause for concern, but unusual textures such as coffee grounds should be reported to a doctor. Severe chest pain, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, high temperature, and stiff neck are reasons to seek immediate medical attention [1][2][3][4].
In summary, understanding the colours of vomit can provide valuable clues about potential health issues. If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms mentioned, it is essential to seek medical attention to prevent dehydration, diagnose serious conditions, and provide timely treatment.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Vomit colour: When to worry. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vomiting/in-depth/vomit-color/art-20048327
[2] NHS. (2021). Vomiting and diarrhoea in adults. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vomiting-and-diarrhoea-in-adults/
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Vomiting in adults: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/11990-vomiting-in-adults
[4] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Vomiting in infants and children. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/vomiting-in-infants-and-children
[5] American Liver Foundation. (2021). Jaundice. Retrieved from https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-and-conditions/jaundice/
