What you need to know about vomiting bile

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Article written by Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Head of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Bile is a greenish-yellow liquid produced by the liver that is stored in the gallbladder. It is essential for the digestion and breakdown of fats into smaller parts called fatty acids that can be absorbed easily by the digestive tract. Bile contains bile acids (also called bile salts), cholesterol, bilirubin, water, enzymes, and small amounts of metals. In this article, we will take a closer look at the phenomenon of vomiting bile.

1. Overview of the pathology of vomiting bile

Vomiting of bile is not always a sign of serious illness. Vomiting green or yellow bile on an empty stomach is a common phenomenon, because then, the body has nothing else to excrete digestive juices. Furthermore, vomiting is a natural mechanism of the body to get rid of toxins, or it can also be due to a gastrointestinal infection or medication.
However, vomiting bile or vomiting can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as appendicitis. If vomiting persists or causes sudden discomfort and spreads to the abdomen, the appendix may have ruptured and is a sign that you should seek medical attention right away.

2. Causes of vomiting bile

Bile can be vomited up as a sign of health problems, such as bile reflux (bile moving backward from the liver into the stomach).
Other causes of vomiting bile may include:
Food poisoning Food prepared under unsanitary conditions carries a higher risk of microbial contamination, such as bacteria and viruses withdraw. Ingesting contaminated food or water causes food poisoning and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is also known as infectious diarrhea or stomach flu. It is caused by contaminated food or water and it is similar to food poisoning. This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest food. As a result, the patient will vomit bile with food, have diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can lead to dehydration. Food allergies Some patients may be allergic to certain foods, which can cause serious reactions, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and skin rashes. May cause intestinal obstruction. An intestinal obstruction or volvulus prevents food from moving through the intestines. Leads to vomiting of food along with bile. Cholecystitis The gallbladder is a small organ. An inflamed or removed gallbladder can cause bile to leak out. Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) CVS causes repeated episodes of vomiting and nausea. However, there is no specific reason for this condition. It was observed that the vomiting episodes seemed to occur at the same time every day, were of equal intensity and lasted for the same length of time. It is thought that CVS can be triggered by many factors, such as infection, stress, arousal, and menstruation. Dehydration When the body is deprived of water and nutrients, it goes into a state of dehydration. This causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and dizziness. The pyloric valve or sphincter is a strong muscle located between the stomach and duodenum. This valve controls the movement of food from the stomach to the duodenum and regulates the release of bile. When the pyloric valve malfunctions, it can lead to vomiting of bile. This condition is often seen in older people. Alcohol intolerance People with alcohol intolerance tend to vomit after drinking because the body wants to get rid of toxins. Bile is also being expelled with alcohol at this time. Vomiting bile in the morning is considered worse than vomiting bile at night because it can cause a hangover (wanting to vomit but not being able to). Pediatric causes of profuse vomiting Developmental abnormalities, such as atrophy of the duodenum, jejunum, and colon (intestinal not fully developed), meconium, and meconium entrapment (occur in complications). during delivery), Hirschsprung's disease, and necrotizing enterocolitis (intestinal infection), are serious causes of bile vomiting that require immediate medical attention. Gastrectomy surgeries, such as removal of all or part of the stomach, can also cause bile reflux and profuse vomiting.

3. How to treat

Some remedies can stop the intensity and frequency of bile vomiting, such as:
Eat small meals Eating small meals helps to relieve pressure on the digestive system. Then, the pyloric valve does not malfunction, which is common when you eat larger meals. Sit up straight after a meal You should sit up straight for 2-3 hours after a meal. This promotes better digestion. Avoid problem foods Avoid foods that cause allergies or acid reflux, including caffeine and hot spicy foods. Reduce the intake of fatty foods as it reduces the need for bile production. Weight loss Obesity is thought to place unnecessary stress on the stomach and internal organs. As a result, losing weight can relieve undue pressure and help reduce acid reflux. Avoid smoking and alcohol Smoking irritates the trachea because the mucous membranes dry out and produce less saliva, which can increase the likelihood of vomiting bile. Alcohol irritates the esophagus and relaxes the esophageal sphincter, causing reflux and vomiting of bile. Vomiting is also caused by alcohol intolerance. Vomiting of bile after drinking alcohol is also common. In most cases, bile reflux can subside over a few weeks with dietary changes. However, some patients have severe symptoms that may require medical help, even surgery.

4. Prevention of vomiting of bile

You can't always stop vomiting bile. However, lifestyle changes can avoid some of the most common causes, such as excessive alcohol consumption or an unhealthy diet.
To help prevent vomiting of bile, you can:
Limit alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking. Do not lift heavy objects to avoid the risk of hernia. Have regular colonoscopy if recommended by your doctor. Avoid smoking. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eat foods rich in fiber to help prevent diverticulitis. Avoid undercooked or potentially contaminated food. Call your doctor as soon as you notice the following signs:
Sudden unexplained weight loss. Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Severe pain in the abdomen. Vomiting material that is red or looks like coffee grounds. Can't stop vomiting. Here is some basic information about vomiting bile. Please follow the website: Vinmec.com regularly to update many other useful information.

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Reference articles: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, medicinenet.com