Why Am I Vomiting Foam? Causes & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• Vomiting foam is more likely to be caused by an underlying medical condition than an infection or food poisoning.
• The majority of underlying conditions that lead to foamy vomit are not severe or life-threatening, but they should also not be ignored.
• Key information about your medical history, current medications, and additional symptoms is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

While nearly everyone experiences vomiting from time to time, vomiting foam can be an especially unsettling experience. You might be concerned that this symptom is caused by something serious. While many common causes of foam-like vomit are not serious or life-threatening, understanding the possible causes can provide clarity and reassurance.

In rare cases, immediate medical attention from the local emergency department is required, as foamy vomit is sometimes associated with potentially serious conditions. This article will explore common causes of vomiting foam, the significance of associated symptoms and timing of symptoms, and guidance on when to seek medical help.

Common causes of vomiting foam

Unlike other forms of vomiting, vomiting foam is more likely to be due to an underlying medical condition than something like food poisoning or a virus. Most of these underlying conditions are not considered serious or life-threatening and can be managed on an outpatient basis.

Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia describes the upper part of the stomach jutting through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

Hiatal hernias can cause irritation where the stomach meets the esophagus, often leading to symptoms of heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation.

The contents of regurgitation are often foamy in appearance. Hiatal hernias are also known to cause bloating and gas in the upper part of the digestive system, which can also lead to foamy vomit.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD or acid reflux, occurs when stomach contents leak into the esophagus.

This condition can cause gas and belching as well as the regurgitation of bile and stomach acids, leading to watery and sometimes foamy-appearing vomit. Acid reflux can be easily managed with dietary changes and medication.

Respiratory causes

Frothy or foamy saliva is commonly associated with respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vomiting foam may also be a sign of potentially life-threatening respiratory conditions such as dry drowning and pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs.

If a patient is coughing excessively and triggers a gag reflex, they may vomit respiratory contents such as foamy saliva. It is important to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Medications

Some medications used to treat GERD/acid reflux work by coating your stomach, which may create a foam-like consistency, to protect the stomach lining.

If you vomit shortly after taking one of these medications, you may expel vomit that is foamy in appearance. Because this is a normal side effect of these medications, no intervention is usually necessary. Let your doctor know if this happens because they may want to change or add medications.

Common causes of foam-like vomit based on appearance or another symptom

The presence of other symptoms may help doctors diagnose the underlying cause of foam-like vomit. Medical professionals may also need to know more about what the vomit looks like before deciding on treatment.

Vomiting white or clear foam

Vomiting white or clear foam is often a sign of regurgitation caused by acid reflux or from a hiatal hernia. This is typically not a medical emergency, though both conditions should prompt a non-emergency visit with your doctor.

Vomiting white or clear foam may also simply indicate the presence of gas in the stomach and upper digestive system.

Vomiting yellow foam

If you are expelling foamy vomit that is yellow in appearance, this most often indicates the presence of bile in the vomit. Bile is known for giving the vomit a yellow to green color.

Vomiting foam and bile or stomach acid

If you experience vomiting foam and bile or stomach acid, it is likely due to vomiting on an empty stomach. When there is no food in the stomach to expel, the vomit will consist mainly of bile and stomach acid.

Vomiting foam while pregnant

Vomiting foam while pregnant is often associated with hormonal changes. Pregnant women are also more likely to experience acid reflux and excess gas, which can lead to regurgitation and foamy-appearing vomit.

Vomiting foam only in the morning

Vomiting foam only in the morning can be due to acid reflux or morning sickness experienced with pregnancy.

If you are vomiting on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, the vomit will consist mainly of bile, stomach acids, and saliva, all of which can give the vomit a foamy appearance.

Vomiting foam after drinking alcohol

Vomiting can have a foam-like appearance when there is excess gas in the stomach. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach.

Common symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain, excess gas, nausea, and vomiting. The combination of gastritis and alcohol-induced vomiting often leads to vomiting foam.

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

When you should see a doctor about foamy vomit

While foamy vomit is often associated with nonserious conditions, certain situations require medical attention.

You should see a doctor if:

• Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.
• You experience additional symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramping.
• You have signs of mild dehydration, such as dry mouth and decreased urine output.
• You are pregnant and experiencing excessive foamy vomit.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are unable to keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours.
• You experience confusion or weakness, which may indicate severe dehydration.
• You have chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• You notice right red blood in the vomit, or your vomit is dark, brown, or black.

Questions to ask your doctor about vomiting foam

• What could be causing me to vomit foam?
• Am I considered contagious? If so, for how long?
• What diagnostic tests are needed to identify the cause of my symptoms?
• What treatment options are available for my symptoms?

Treatment options for vomiting foam

If you are vomiting foam, there may be several treatment options available depending on the underlying cause. It is important to discuss all associated symptoms, medications, and medical conditions with your healthcare provider so that they can arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Medication

If your nausea and vomiting are severe, your provider may prescribe anti-nausea medications to minimize your symptoms.

If your foamy vomit is thought to be due to acid reflux, you may be prescribed an acid-reducing medication. If you have been prescribed medication for acid reflux that promotes a foam coating to protect the stomach, your doctor will likely reassure you that this is a normal occurrence.

Hydration

Hydrating is important after vomiting. Sipping clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

If you experience foamy vomiting, you should avoid hydration with carbonated drinks, as the gas from the carbonation can lead to additional episodes of foamy vomiting. If you are unable to tolerate any fluids by mouth, your healthcare provider may recommend IV fluids.

Read our guide on what to eat or drink after vomiting for more.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary to address some causes of foam-like vomit, such as hiatal hernias.

Frequently asked questions: vomiting foam

You may still have concerns and questions related to vomiting foam. Here are some common questions and answers related to this symptom.

What if you’re feeling anxiety and vomiting up foam?

Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. However, it is important to note that some serious cardiac conditions, such as a heart attack, may present with anxious feelings and can be associated with vomiting.

If you are feeling anxious and vomiting up foam, you should seek urgent medical attention to rule out any life-threatening conditions.

What if you have bad stomach pain and are vomiting up foam?

If you are experiencing bad stomach pain in addition to vomiting, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for prompt workup. Any time you experience pain that is described as “bad” or “severe,” it should not be ignored.

Final thoughts

If you experience foamy vomit, particularly on more than one occasion, you should consider the possibility of an underlying condition as the cause. Hiatal hernias, acid reflux, respiratory-related conditions, and inflammation of the digestive tract can all cause foamy vomit. In most cases, vomiting foam is an appropriate reason to consult with your healthcare 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

Azer, Samy A., et al. “Gastritis.” StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. 22 June 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31334970/

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

Multum, Cerner. “Gaviscon Uses, Side Effects & Warnings.” Drugs.com. 26 June 2024. www.drugs.com/mtm/gaviscon.html. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.

“Pulmonary Edema: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, 2019, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000140.htm. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.

Smith, Ryan E., et al. “Hiatal Hernia.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 17 July 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32965871/