BILIOUS VOMIT Meaning and
Definition
-
Bilious vomit refers to the act of expelling vomit that is typically greenish-yellow or brownish-yellow in color and has a bitter taste. The characteristic color and taste are due to the presence of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats. Bile is normally stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine as needed during digestion. However, in some cases, bile can flow backward into the stomach, leading to its presence in vomit.
This type of vomit is often associated with specific medical conditions or events, such as gastrointestinal disorders, liver diseases, gallstones, or obstruction of the bile ducts. It is frequently accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and indigestion.
Bilious vomit can also occur in conditions where there is delayed gastric emptying, which causes the stomach to retain the food contents and allows bile to mix with the vomit. This type of vomit may occur in individuals with gastroparesis, a condition characterized by impaired stomach motility.
The presence of bilious vomit can serve as an important diagnostic clue for healthcare professionals, as it can help indicate the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. Medical attention should be sought for anyone experiencing bilious vomit, especially if it is persistent, accompanied by severe abdominal pain, or associated with signs of dehydration.
Etymology of BILIOUS VOMIT
The word "bilious" derives from the Latin word "bilis", meaning "bile", which refers to the digestive fluid produced by the liver. "Vomit" comes from the Latin word "vomitus", which means "to vomit". Therefore, "bilious vomit" combines these two terms to describe the regurgitation of stomach contents that contain an excess of bile.
