What is the difference between bilious and nonbilious vomiting?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Bilious vomiting is green or yellow-green in color and often signals a blockage in the small intestine, which may require urgent medical attention. Nonbilious vomiting lacks this greenish tint and is typically caused by conditions such as gastritis, food poisoning, viral infections, or acid reflux.

Understanding the difference matters: the color of vomit can offer important clues about what's happening inside your body. If you're unsure whether your symptoms point to something serious or something more common, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's a smart, private way to explore possible causes and decide on your next steps with more confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if vomit color needs urgent care Discover likely causes of bile-stained vomiting See if your vomiting needs a symptom check Find OTC options for vomiting relief Find a doctor for vomiting evaluation Understand safe home remedies for vomiting Find out if vomiting could be serious

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Explanation

Bilious vomiting is when the vomit has a greenish color because it contains bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This type of vomiting can be a sign of a blockage in the intestines, especially in newborns, and may require immediate medical attention.

Nonbilious vomiting does not have this green color and can be caused by a variety of other reasons, such as infections, feeding problems, or stomach irritation. It is generally less concerning than bilious vomiting but should still be monitored, especially in infants.

Key Differences:

Color: Bilious is green; nonbilious is not.
Cause: Bilious may indicate a blockage; nonbilious can have many other causes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing vomiting, especially if it is green, use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether immediate medical attention is needed.

(References)

Expert Panel on Pediatric Imaging, Alazraki AL, Rigsby CK, Iyer RS, Bardo DME, Brown BP, et al. (2020). ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Vomiting in Infants. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR, 33153561.
Godbole P, & Stringer MD. (2002). Bilious vomiting in the newborn: How often is it pathologic?. Journal of pediatric surgery, 12037761.
Arthur F, & Carachi R. (2016). Malrotation in infancy and childhood. Scottish medical journal, 27578853.

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