Throwing up white foam in the morning often signals acid reflux (GERD), where stomach acid mixes with air and mucus, irritating the esophagus, or it could be gastritis (stomach lining inflammation). Other causes include stomach infections, excessive alcohol, or even certain foods/medications, but if it's persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, seeing a doctor for diagnosis is important.
Your white and foamy vomit may be a result of: Acid reflux: occurs when stomach acid flows upwards into your oesophagus, causing irritation and regurgitation. These symptoms are particularly worse at night and are often caused by either gastroesophageal reflux disease or a hiatal hernia.
Red Vomit (hematemesis)
When you have a significant amount of vomit that is bright red in color or resembles coffee grounds, you should contact your doctor immediately. This can be the result of multiple conditions including, but not limited to: Liver failure.
Avoid eating and drinking for two hours after the last episode of vomiting. Start with small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ice, popsicles, sports drinks, clear broth or Jell-O for the first 24 hours. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and fruit juice.
Yellow or green: Yellow vomit often indicates the presence of bile and may occur when vomiting on an empty stomach or with conditions that cause increased bile production. Persistent yellow or green vomit could suggest a bile duct obstruction or other gallbladder issues.
“If your vomit is white or foamy, it usually means you have acid reflux, indigestion or the start of an infection. Call your provider if it keeps happening, or it's accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as white patches in your throat or cramping,” Dr. Capin advises.
The color of bile vomit can provide clues about intestinal obstruction. Greenish bile vomit often indicates a blockage in the intestines.
You might vomit foam when you have a stomach bug, eat too many fatty or acidic foods, drink too much alcohol, or take certain types of medication. But it can also be a symptom of health conditions like hiatal hernia and candidiasis. Seek medical help.
Acid Reflux or GERD
You might be throwing up foam due to acid reflux, which occurs when the corrosive stomach acids back into the esophagus. Frequent episodes of acid reflux might be a symptom of a more severe condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Speak to your GP if:
Symptoms of dehydration
The patient typically recognizes a problem with excessive "foamy mucus" but does not understand its origin. Infections and obstruction are the most common oropharyngeal causes. Increased salivary flow occurs as a typically subtle manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Make an appointment with your doctor if: Vomiting lasts more than two days for adults, 24 hours for children under age 2 or 12 hours for infants.
Green or yellow vomit after having a few episodes of vomiting may indicate that you are bringing up bile from the stomach, which is yellow or green. This fluid is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
Symptoms of acute liver failure may include:
If you wake up nauseous, it could be anything from your nighttime eating habits to stress levels or medications. Read on to learn why you feel the urge to throw up after getting out of bed to understand the possible causes of morning nausea and fix your symptoms.