Infants should not be throwing up green vomit, as this could indicate which condition?

Infants should not be throwing up green vomit, as this could indicate which condition?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Reflux
• C. Bowel obstruction
• D. Pyloric stenosis

Answer: (C)

Green vomit means bile is present in the emesis, which indicates the problem is downstream of the pylorus, i.e., a bowel obstruction or another intestinal blockage. In infants, bilious vomiting is a red flag that requires urgent evaluation because it can signal conditions such as volvulus or atresia. Reflux typically causes non-bilious regurgitation, and pyloric stenosis causes projectile vomiting that is non-bilious since bile can’t reach the stomach. Gastroenteritis can cause vomiting as well, but the bilious color specifically points toward a distal intestinal obstruction.

Green vomit means bile is present in the emesis, which indicates the problem is downstream of the pylorus, i.e., a bowel obstruction or another intestinal blockage. In infants, bilious vomiting is a red flag that requires urgent evaluation because it can signal conditions such as volvulus or atresia. Reflux typically causes non-bilious regurgitation, and pyloric stenosis causes projectile vomiting that is non-bilious since bile can’t reach the stomach. Gastroenteritis can cause vomiting as well, but the bilious color specifically points toward a distal intestinal obstruction.