Vomit color is a great indicator of a person’s health status and can help piece together a diagnosis. Yellow or green vomit can emerge with a flu virus or fasting, while black vomit is indicative of a more serious digestive problem that is causing internal bleeding.

Vomit is a normal response to the presence of foreign substances or microorganisms in the body, however it can be a sign of a gastric illness. Therefore, vomiting, especially if it persists, should be assessed and treated as quickly as possible.

Vomit color is a characteristic that can help a doctor during assessment and can even guide treatment, which is why it is an important symptom to discuss with your doctor.

Quick chart guide

The following vomit color chart summarizes the main colors of vomit, their possible causes, and when to seek medical attention.

Vomit color	Possible causes	What to do
Green	Bile reflux, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, intestinal obstruction	Seek urgent care if accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, or obstruction signs
Yellow	Empty stomach, gastritis, acid reflux, morning sickness, early gastroenteritis	Usually mild, but consult a doctor if persistent or frequent
Brown	Old blood from ulcers, severe constipation, intestinal obstruction	Requires immediate medical evaluation
Black (coffee-ground)	Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, severe gastritis, Crohn’s disease, cancer	Medical emergency — go to the hospital immediately
Red or pink	Fresh bleeding from ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, Mallory-Weiss tear, tumors	Emergency — seek immediate medical attention
White or foamy	Acid reflux, indigestion, hiatal hernia, alcohol use, certain medications	Usually mild, but see a doctor if ongoing
Clear	Stomach fluid, dehydration, viral illness, morning sickness	Maintain hydration; seek care if vomiting is frequent or dehydration signs appear

This chart should be used as a general guide, and any persistent or severe vomiting should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What vomit colors mean

Vomit can range in color, from yellow/green, to black, to red/pink. Learn about what these different colors may indicate:

1. Green vomit

Green vomit occurs when bile backs up into the stomach and is vomited. It can appear with bile reflux, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or a small bowel obstruction, which is considered a medical emergency.

Green vomit can also happen when the stomach is empty for a long time, making bile more visible. It is urgent if accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, or signs of obstruction.

What to do: Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent. Children with green vomit, particularly if dehydrated, should be evaluated promptly.

2. Yellow vomit

Yellow vomit is often caused by bile in an empty stomach and may occur with gastritis, acid reflux, prolonged fasting, or during pregnancy as morning sickness.

It may also appear in viral illnesses or early gastroenteritis. In most cases it is not serious, but it should be monitored if frequent or associated with other symptoms.

What to do: Ensure good hydration with water or oral rehydration solutions. Medical advice is recommended if vomiting does not improve or worsens.

3. Brown vomit

Brown vomit may indicate the presence of partially digested blood or a severe intestinal obstruction. The coffee-ground appearance results from blood exposed to stomach acid.

It can be related to peptic ulcers, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, severe constipation, or bowel blockage. This is always considered urgent.

What to do: Immediate medical evaluation is necessary to identify whether the cause is bleeding or obstruction.

4. Black vomit

Black vomit is usually a sign of bleeding somewhere along the digestive tract. It is often described as coffee-ground vomit, caused by blood reacting with stomach acid.

It can result from stomach ulcers, esophageal varices, severe gastritis, Crohn’s disease, or stomach cancer. Dizziness, sweating, or black stool may also occur.

What to do: Black vomit is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospital care. Treatment may involve blood transfusion, medication, or surgery.

5. Red or pink vomit

Red or pink vomit indicates fresh bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The bright color means blood has not been in contact with stomach acid long enough to darken.

Possible causes include gastritis, esophagitis, stomach tumors, ulcers, or Mallory-Weiss tears. This can involve small or large amounts of blood.

What to do: Always seek urgent medical care. Identifying the cause quickly is essential to prevent complications.

6. White or foamy vomit

White or foamy vomit is linked to acid reflux, indigestion, or irritation of the stomach. It has a bubbly appearance from saliva and stomach mucus mixed with gastric acid.

It can be related to reflux disease, hiatal hernia, excessive alcohol intake, or certain medications. In pregnancy, hormonal changes may also contribute.

What to do: Usually not urgent, but persistent foamy vomit should be evaluated by a doctor, particularly if other symptoms are present.

7. Clear vomit

Clear vomit usually consists of saliva, mucus, and stomach fluid. It is common with empty stomachs, morning sickness, viral infections, or dehydration.

While often mild, repeated clear vomit may signal fluid loss and the risk of dehydration. This can be more serious in children and the elderly.

What to do: Drink water or oral rehydration solutions to restore fluids. Seek medical help if vomiting is frequent or if signs of dehydration occur.

When to see a doctor

Immediate medical attention is necessary for vomit that is black, coffee-ground, red, or persistent green with abdominal pain. Severe dehydration, dizziness, confusion, or very low urine output are also urgent signs.

Children are more vulnerable to dehydration due to smaller fluid reserves, while older adults are at higher risk because of reduced thirst sensation. Both groups should be monitored closely.

Pregnant women with severe and persistent vomiting may have hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss, and should receive medical care.

Complications and risks

Vomiting can lead to dehydration, especially when fluid loss is not replaced. Signs include dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination, and confusion.

Electrolyte imbalances may also occur, leading to muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythms. Frequent vomiting increases the risk of aspiration, when stomach contents enter the lungs.

Complications can progress to kidney failure, seizures, or shock in severe cases. These risks are higher in children, older adults, or those with chronic health conditions.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does it mean if vomit is black and looks like coffee grounds?

It usually indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, where blood has been partially digested by stomach acid. This is an emergency and requires immediate evaluation.

2. Is green vomit always serious?

Not always. It can happen with viral infections or on an empty stomach, but if accompanied by pain, fever, or signs of obstruction, it becomes urgent.

3. Can stress or anxiety cause vomiting?

Yes. Stress can activate the body’s fight-or-flight response and stimulate the vomiting reflex. This is called psychogenic vomiting and is often linked to emotional distress.

4. Can certain foods or medicines change vomit color?

Yes. Artificial food dyes, iron supplements, or some medications like NSAIDs can alter vomit color. They may also irritate the stomach and cause vomiting in some people.

Vomit Color Chart: What Your Vomit Color Means (Green, Yellow, Red, etc.)