Bile vomit refers to vomit that has a green or yellow color due to the presence of bile. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Its presence in vomit usually indicates that the stomach is empty, or that bile reflux is occurring.
Understanding Bile
Bile plays a critical role in digestion, specifically in breaking down fats. Here's a quick rundown:
- Production: The liver constantly produces bile.
- Storage: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile.
- Release: Bile is released into the small intestine to aid in digestion.
Why Bile Appears in Vomit
Bile ends up in vomit for a couple of key reasons, according to the reference:
- Empty Stomach: When you vomit on an empty stomach, there's nothing else to be expelled, so bile may come up.
- Bile Reflux: This occurs when bile flows backward from the small intestine into the stomach and, potentially, up into the esophagus.
Characteristics of Bile Vomit
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Typically green or yellow |
| Cause | Empty stomach or bile reflux |
| Origin | Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder |
