Alcohol & Health
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Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Vomiting is a common symptom associated with many medical conditions, and it can range in color from clear to green. Brown vomiting, however, is an alarming sign of distress for any person prone to vomiting—especially on an empty stomach.
This post explores possible causes of brown vomit when nothing else has been ingested for hours or days. It also discusses the need for seeking prompt medical attention when experiencing this symptom.
Determining the color of vomit can provide insight into a person’s well-being. It can also aid in diagnosing potential health issues.
While vomiting is a usual bodily response to outside invaders, chronic or persistent vomiting can indicate underlying gastric problems, making swift diagnosis imperative.
Consulting with a physician regarding the color of vomit can lead to a more informed assessment and targeted treatment protocols.
Here’s what you need to know about a few of the most common colors of vomit and the potential underlying causes:
Clear vomit is often a normal reaction when your stomach is empty or in cases of morning sickness. It’s also not a medical emergency if you feel lighter after throwing up or if you have a stomach bug.1
However, contact a medical professional if these symptoms persist for more than a few days or if you’re uncertain about the cause. Additionally, you should seek immediate medical attention if:
When the stomach is empty, or there is a blockage in the intestines, vomit can contain bile which may appear yellow or green. Bile is a yellow-green digestive fluid that helps break down fat, and it’s excreted from the gallbladder.
Green or yellow vomit isn’t often a cause for concern—empty stomachs commonly cause bile-related vomiting. However, you should consult a doctor if the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or if it’s coupled with:
The other possible contributors to yellow vomit include:2
Brown vomit can signal two potential causes:
Foods like chocolate and dark-colored items could trigger this condition but may also point to underlying health issues.2
Brown, bloody vomit could also indicate hematemesis. This condition involves a noticeable amount of blood in the stomach contents. Bright red vomit signals fresh bleeding, while darker colors suggest older blood.
Moreover, be cautious if your vomit appears like dark coffee grounds—especially if you’re experiencing brown vomit that wasn’t brought about by overindulging in chocolates or brownies. Having this could indicate potential stomach bleeding.
Coffee-ground vomitus, which appears dark brown or black with a lumpy texture resembling coffee grounds, is a type of hematemesis indicating internal bleeding.4 This medical emergency occurs due to coagulated blood from dried, dark, and congealed bleeding.
The causes of this kind of hematemesis are the same as other types, but it’s crucial to determine its root cause to prevent blood loss and shock.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if vomit appears red or pink, as it could indicate the presence of blood. A small amount isn’t harmful unless you have suffered an injury, nosebleed, or swallowed some blood.
If this happens occasionally and ceases when vomiting stops, there’s no cause for concern. Vomiting a small amount of blood once or twice and then clearing up quickly is also not a significant issue.
Red or pink vomit may also be related to various conditions, such as:
Black or very dark brown vomit resembling coffee grounds could be blood. Likewise, it could also result from the kale and spinach in your diet or dark-colored beverages and desserts consumed the previous night.
However, if your vomit is black, red, or coffee-ground colored without a clear culprit, seeking medical attention is essential. Internal bleeding further down the digestive tract can cause old blood to darken over time, particularly if you have a history of stomach upset, pain, or digestive issues.
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Bile and stomach acids are common causes of brown vomit, particularly on an empty stomach. This is due to the lack of content in the gut that would ordinarily act as a buffer against it.
The release of these substances, which are yellow-green or yellow-brown, can also occur due to bile reflux. Bile reflux often happens when there’s a backup of bile in the stomach and esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Aside from the ones mentioned above, brown vomit can have different root causes:1,3
A bowel obstruction can cause brown vomiting, abdominal pain, and an unpleasant odor. It can impair digestion and result in bloating and severe abdominal pain.
You should seek immediate medical help if you vomit brown material that looks like coffee grounds. As mentioned, this could indicate severe gastric bleeding; a doctor should evaluate it immediately.
These other signs warrant urgent professional assistance since they may signify your body going into shock:4
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Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and order blood tests to determine the source of your brown vomit. Testing the vomitus for the presence of occult blood is a typical starting point. They may also suggest undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. This procedure uses a flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera to examine the digestive tract.5
Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may also be recommended to assess any blockages or abnormalities in the digestive tract. These exams will help them evaluate the cause of your condition and provide targeted treatment.
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Treating the source of your brown vomit is crucial to preventing future bouts. Based on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend medications, lifestyle modifications, or dietary changes.
These can help reduce symptoms and provide relief from the causes of brown vomit. You can also do most of them at home, thus eliminating the need to take time off from work or school.
Treatment for brown vomit will depend on its underlying cause. Your doctor may advise taking medications such as:6
In severe cases, they may also advise undergoing surgery to stop severe bleeding or correct structural abnormalities. Surgery is also recommended for patients with bile reflux.
Making lifestyle changes may help prevent brown vomit. These include:
Additionally, specific home remedies may alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by brown vomit. These include:
Various conditions, including bile reflux and internal bleeding, can cause brown vomit. It’s essential to know the potential signs and causes and seek medical advice if you experience them.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause; your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or medications to manage it. By understanding what brown vomit means and how to respond to it, you can take the necessary steps to protect your health.
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