The German Society for Gastroenterology and Metabolism has cautioned that greenish-yellow vomit should be treated as a serious warning sign, as it may indicate a life-threatening small bowel obstruction.
The association stressed the need to call emergency services immediately if small bowel obstruction is suspected — particularly when greenish-yellow vomiting appears alongside other symptoms such as:
Severe abdominal pain
A rigid or hardened abdomen
Traces of blood in the vomit
Vomiting faecal material
What Causes Small Bowel Obstruction?
According to experts, obstruction of the small intestine can result from several underlying conditions, including:
Intestinal narrowing linked to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
Tumours
Gallstones
Circulatory disorders affecting the intestines
Intestinal entrapment
Inflammation within the abdominal cavity
Specialists emphasised that early recognition and urgent medical intervention are crucial, as untreated obstructions can quickly become life-threatening.
