Gastric secretions and likewise vomit are highly acidic. Recent food intake will be reflected in the gastric vomit. Irrespective of the content, vomit tends to be malodorous.
The content of the ''vomitus'' (vomit) may be of medical interest. Fresh blood in the vomit is termed hematemesis ("blood vomiting"). Altered blood bears resemblance to coffee grounds (as the iron in the blood is oxidized) and, when this matter is identified, the term "coffee ground vomiting" is used. Bile can enter the vomit during subsequent heaves due to duodenal contraction if the vomiting is severe. Fecal vomiting is often a consequence of intestinal obstruction or a gastrocolic fistula and is treated as a warning sign of this potentially serious problem ("signum mali ominis"); such vomiting is sometimes called "miserere."
If the vomiting reflex continues for an extended period with no appreciable vomitus, the condition is known as ''non-productive emesis'' or ''dry heaves'', which can be painful and debilitating.
Color of vomit
- Bright red in the vomit suggests bleeding from the oesophagus
- Dark red vomit with liver-like clots suggests profuse bleeding in the stomach, such as from a perforated ulcer
- Coffee ground-like vomit suggests less severe bleeding in the stomach, because the gastric acid has had time to change the composition of the blood
- Yellow vomit suggests bile. This indicates that the pyloric valve is open and bile is flowing into the stomach from the duodenum. (This is more common in older people.)
Further Reading
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