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.
Why Am I Throwing Up Foam?
There are several possible causes for foamy vomit. Here are some of the most common.
1. You Ate Certain Kinds of Foods
Certain foods can make you throw up foam, particularly if you eat them on an otherwise empty stomach. These include:
- Acidic carbonated drinks such as Sprite and Coke
- Junk foods high in fat and acid, such as certain types of chips
2. You Drank Too Much Alcohol
Overindulging in alcohol can also make you throw up foam. Excess alcohol can irritate your digestive system, resulting in gastritis, vomiting, pain, and indigestion.
3. You Have a Viral or Bacterial Stomach Infection
You may have eaten something that gave you a viral or bacterial infection affecting your gut or stomach. This can cause vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
4. You're Pregnant
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy may cause you to throw up foam. This is particularly the case if you vomit during the night.
5. You're Taking Medications That Induce Vomiting
Certain medications, such as morphine and ibuprofen, can make you vomit.
6. You Have a Medical Condition That Causes You to Vomit Foam
Finally, you could have a medical condition that makes you vomit foam. This includes, but is not limited to, hiatal hernia, candidiasis, and acid reflux.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Throwing Up Foam?
The following conditions can cause you to throw up foam:
- Hiatal hernia
- Candidiasis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
What Is Hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernia happens when the top part of your stomach pushes into your chest through a gap in the diaphragm. Ordinarily, the diaphragm prevents stomach acids from pouring into the esophagus. It acts as a barrier between the abdomen and the chest.
You may have hiatal hernia if you experience:
- Constant burping
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Chest burning
- Shortness of breath
- Heartburn
Hiatal hernia is usually treated with surgery. During the procedure, the hole in your diaphragm is tightened. Your stomach may also be stitched into place so it will stop pushing up.
What Is candidiasis?
Candida is a fungus that can infect various parts of your body, including the vagina and the esophagus. Once you're infected, you'll likely develop a condition called candidiasis, which is a type of yeast infection.
You are more likely to get candidiasis if you:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Take antibiotics, which can kill bacteria in your body that keeps the yeast population in check
- Have diabetes, since high blood sugar will increase the likelihood of yeast infections
Candidiasis is usually treated using antifungal medicine, along with anti-pain medication as needed.
What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that makes the ring connecting your esophagus to your stomach weak and unresponsive.
This ring is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and normally aids the digestive system by allowing food to pass from your esophagus to your stomach. Someone with GERD has a weak LES, so food can end up being pushed back up the esophagus, leading to the following symptoms:
- Heartburn
- Vomiting foam
- Constant coughing
- Indigestion
GERD is usually treated with:
- H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid), or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec), which can reduce stomach acid
- Antacids, which treat heartburn by neutralizing acid in your stomach and esophagus
How Can I Stop Throwing Up Foam?
If you have been throwing up foam, you need to see a doctor and find out the cause so that you can get the right treatment. Here are a few things you can try on your own, as well:
You can stop throwing up foam by taking better care of yourself. Pay closer attention to what you eat and drink and be sure to exercise at least a couple of times a week.
To stop throwing up foam, try not to over-stimulate your stomach with foods and drinks that cause this type of vomiting, especially if you have any of the medical conditions we discussed above. The following sweet, acidic, and fatty foods and drinks should be avoided:
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Ice cream
- Tomatoes or tomato products
- Citrus products
- Fried junk food, like potato chips
To minimize the chances of vomiting foam, you can:
- Chew and swallow slowly
- Eat many small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals
- Wear loose clothing
- Exercise more
In addition to changing your diet and lifestyle, you should also avoid smoking and keep yourself at a healthy weight. Being overweight can make your symptoms worse.
