Emesis, which is also known as vomiting or vomiting, is a natural occurrence involving stomach contents passing through the esophagus and then out of the mouth. The color of vomit can sometimes indicate the presence of certain conditions, although it is always important to see a doctor when unusual or persistent vomiting occurs. If someone vomits shortly after eating, then the color may simply depend on the food that was eaten. Bright red, dark red, and vomit that looks like coffee grounds can indicate different types of bleeding. A yellow or green color of the vomit can indicate the presence of bile, especially if it is thin and watery.
There are many different causes for emesis, some of which require immediate medical attention. Not all cases of emesis require a visit to the doctor, although if the vomiting persists or is especially debilitating, it is essential to contact a medical professional immediately. It is especially important to seek medical attention for children and infants who are vomiting bile or blood. Medical advice should also be obtained before beginning any type of treatment regimen other than bed rest and hydration.
If someone vomits due to overeating, drinking too much, or other similar causes, then the color of their vomit will tend to be determined by the food they recently ate. There is usually no reason to worry about this type of emesis, regardless of the color of the vomit, unless it persists or is radically inconsistent with the most recent meal eaten. Eating or drinking red foods or liquids can result in a red vomit color, and so on for other types of food and drink. However, if the color of the vomit does not correspond to the types of food that have been eaten, then it may be a cause for concern.
Bright red vomit usually indicates that there is some type of active bleeding in the esophagus. This is due to the fact that blood quickly begins to darken when exposed to oxygen. The darker red colors of vomit tend to indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Minor stomach bleeding will tend to produce dark vomit with the consistency of coffee grounds. More severe bleeding will usually result in large dark blood clots, which may indicate a perforated stomach ulcer.
A yellow or green color of vomit usually indicates the presence of bile, which is a body fluid made in the liver. Bile is normally confined to the duodenum, which is the part of the small intestine that joins the stomach. Certain conditions can cause bile to leak out of the duodenum and into the stomach, after which it can be vomited. Bile is normally yellow or green in color, so it can also cause vomit to have that type of appearance.