Green bile is typically due to the presence of bilirubin, a pigment produced during the breakdown of old red blood cells. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in digestion. Bile's normal color ranges from olive green to dark brownish-yellow. The green hue is a result of the biliverdin component of bile. While sometimes simply a reflection of undigested bile, in other cases it can be a symptom of other conditions.
Causes of Green Bile
Several factors contribute to bile appearing green:
- Undigested Bile: As noted in multiple sources like Medical News Today and Healthline, green vomit or bile can simply mean the bile hasn't been fully digested yet. This is often the case in instances of rapid vomiting. This is also true for stools, as discussed in articles from Harvard Health Publishing and Mayo Clinic. Rapid transit time through the digestive system prevents complete processing.
- Infection: Conditions like food poisoning or the stomach flu can cause green bile to be present in vomit, as indicated by the information provided in the initial reference.
- Morning Sickness: Morning sickness during pregnancy is another potential cause.
- Serious Conditions: In more severe cases, green bile in vomit might indicate underlying conditions such as liver failure or bile reflux, also mentioned in the first reference.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While often harmless, green bile warrants medical attention if accompanied by:
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
These symptoms could suggest a more serious underlying condition. Refer to reputable medical sources like the Mayo Clinic or your personal physician for professional guidance.
