Why Is My Vomit Watery? Causes & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• Watery vomit is rarely a reason for concern and will typically resolve on its own with proper treatment.
• Common causes of water vomit include stomach flu, acid reflux, gastroparesis, and vomiting on an empty stomach.
• Maintaining adequate hydration is the most important step after experiencing watery vomit.

Many factors or illnesses can lead to vomiting, and it typically is not cause for concern. However, experiencing watery vomit – or light-colored vomit with a watery appearance – can sometimes be a bit jarring.

Fortunately, the causes of watery vomit are typically simple to identify and treat with home remedies and medications. The biggest health concern associated with watery vomit usually is dehydration. If your vomiting worsens to the point where you can’t replenish fluids as quickly as you lose them, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.

Common causes of watery vomit

Most causes of watery vomit are not serious and will either resolve on their own or can be treated at home.

However, some causes may require intervention from your healthcare provider. Knowing what additional signs and symptoms to look for can help guide you as to when you should consult a professional.

Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the stomach flu or stomach bug, is one of the most common causes of watery vomiting.

This infection is usually the result of a virus or due to food poisoning from contaminated food. It leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If a person vomits repeatedly due to an infection and no longer has any food in their stomach, the vomit may appear watery. Symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days.

Gastroenteritis is rarely considered a medical emergency and typically does not lead to serious complications. However, it is possible to experience bacterial gastroenteritis, a rare condition that may require antibiotic treatment. If you continue to experience symptoms after more than a few days or have recently traveled outside of the country, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Acid reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux, occurs when stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus due to a faulty esophageal sphincter.

Many times, this can lead to the regurgitation of bile and stomach acids, leading to watery-appearing vomit. Acid reflux is easily managed with dietary changes and medication.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition that causes a delay in the emptying of the stomach. If vomiting due to gastroparesis occurs after consuming a large amount of fluid, you may experience watery vomit.

It can also lead to a full sensation after meals or drinking large amounts of fluid. Because contents build up in the stomach and can’t move quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, nausea and vomiting aren’t uncommon. Gastroparesis is not a medical emergency but does require medical intervention.

Vomiting on an empty stomach

If you experience nausea and vomiting on an empty stomach, the vomit may have a watery appearance. This is because the stomach has no contents to release other than digestive fluids and bile.

Common causes of watery vomit based on appearance, another symptom, or situation

In some cases, you may be able to identify the potential cause of watery vomit by analyzing its characteristics or the presence of additional symptoms. It’s important to let your healthcare provider know if you’re experiencing any additional symptoms.

It’s also best to share any other information that may be related to your symptoms to help them narrow in on a diagnosis.

Green or yellow watery vomit

If your vomit is watery and green or yellow in appearance, this is likely due to the presence of bile in the vomit. Watery vomit of this kind would likely be considered a normal finding.

Dark, brown, or black-colored watery vomit

Vomit that is dark, brown, or black indicates the presence of digested blood in the vomit. It is never normal to have dark brown or black vomit. If you experience this symptom, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Watery vomit and diarrhea

Experiencing both watery vomit and diarrhea may indicate that you have a stomach bug.

These infections can be due to exposure to a virus or due to food poisoning. They might also be accompanied by symptoms such as cramping or nausea.

Watery vomiting in the morning only

If you experience vomiting in the morning, you’re likely doing so on an empty stomach, which can lead to watery vomit. Morning sickness in pregnancy, acid reflux, and cyclic vomiting syndrome are some common causes of watery vomiting in the morning.

Watery vomit after eating

Experiencing watery vomit shortly after eating can indicate a food intolerance or allergy.

Conditions like gastroparesis can also lead to watery vomit after meals. Watery vomit after eating may also be the result of acid reflux, particularly if you consume something that tends to trigger your symptoms.

Watery vomiting during pregnancy

Watery vomit during pregnancy may be due to normal morning sickness. When you vomit on an empty stomach, which is typically true in the morning, it’s not uncommon for the vomit to have a watery consistency.

However, any excessive vomiting during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Read our guide on different types of vomit and its colors for more.

When you should see a doctor about watery vomit

Some instances of watery vomit can be managed at home with close monitoring, while other instances should prompt you to seek medical attention.

You should see a doctor if:

• Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.
• You have signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness.
• You experience additional symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.
• You experience symptoms after recent travel outside of the country.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You experience dark, brown, or black vomit or notice the presence of bright red blood in the vomit.
• You have severe weakness or confusion, which may indicate severe dehydration.
• You are unable to keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours.
• You experience high fever or severe abdominal pain.

Questions to ask your doctor about watery vomit

• What could be the cause of my watery vomit?
• Am I considered contagious? If so, for how long?
• Can my symptoms be managed at home?
• What treatment options do you recommend for my watery vomit?

Treatment options for watery vomit

Now that you know some of the causes of watery vomit, it is time to review how to treat this unpleasant symptom.

Medications

In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-nausea medications to help reduce the frequency and severity of your vomiting.

If it is determined that the cause of your vomiting is due to acid reflux, you may be prescribed acid-reducing medications. In some cases, other medications, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed depending on the diagnosed underlying cause.

Hydration

One of the most crucial treatments for vomiting is rehydration. Drinking clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions can help replenish essential fluids and electrolytes.

If your vomiting is so severe that you can’t tolerate oral fluids, your healthcare provider may recommend rehydration with IV fluids.

Frequently asked questions: watery vomit

While watery vomit usually isn’t a serious health concern, it’s normal to have questions or wonder what to do next. Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions related to watery vomit that may provide some additional guidance.

What should you do immediately after throwing up a watery substance?

You should remain calm immediately after throwing up a watery substance, as this is often not a reason for concern.

It’s also important to focus on staying hydrated. Take small sips of water often and avoid eating any solid foods until your nausea improves or fully subsides. If your watery vomit is dark brown or black or contains blood, you should consult a healthcare provider immediately.

What could watery vomit mean for babies or toddlers?

Watery vomit may be normal in babies who only consume breast milk or formula and are not eating solid foods.

If watery vomit in babies occurs in excess, this can be a sign of acid reflux, overfeeding, or food intolerance. In toddlers, watery vomit is most commonly the result of viral gastroenteritis. You should bring your child for a medical evaluation if they are showing signs of dehydration, have a hard or painful belly, or are experiencing forceful vomiting.

Final thoughts

Other than being an unpleasant inconvenience, watery vomit is typically not anything to worry about. While babies, toddlers, and pregnant people should see their healthcare provider more urgently when experiencing watery vomit, many of the remaining instances can be managed at home.

Staying hydrated and consuming a clear-liquid diet for a few days is typically enough to help resolve your symptoms. Always remember that it is never normal to see bloody, black, or dark brown vomit and that the inability to tolerate fluids for more than 24 hours should always prompt a visit to see your provider.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

MedlinePlus. “Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu).” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, May 2022. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000252.htm. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

MedlinePlus. “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, 2015, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000265.htm. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Camilleri, Michael, and Kenton M Sanders. “Gastroparesis.” Gastroenterology, vol. 162, no. 1, 2022, pp. 68-87. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34717924/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Antunes, Catiele, et al. “Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.” StatPearls Publishing, 17 August 2024. StatsPearl, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262121/. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.