Vomiting Bile

I am an 84-year old female in good general health.  Six days ago I began to experience nausea, vertigo and dry heaves.  In order to relieve the terrible feeling of nausea and dry heaves I triggered my gag reflex by sticking my finger down my throat and I vomited bile.  I have generalized weakness, loss of appetite but NO fever, sore joints, bloating or diarreha.

The nausea subsided for about 48 hours but it returned today with the same outcome.  Nausea and vomiting bile. What does it mean when you vomit bile?

Thank you
Sheriannz

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Bilious vomiting could indicate obstruction lower down ( in the intestine).
Abdominal xray/ ultrasound/CT scan may be done for evaluation.