Why is a Terminal cancer person throwing up green vomit?
Terminal cancer patients can experience green vomit due to several reasons:
1. Bile Obstruction: Advanced cancers, particularly those affecting the digestive system, can obstruct the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines. Bile helps digest fats and gives stool its brown color. When bile cannot reach the intestines, it can back up into the stomach, causing green vomit.
2. Liver Damage: Cancer can directly affect the liver or cause liver damage as a side effect of certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Liver damage can impair the liver's ability to process and eliminate bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is responsible for the brown color of stool. Increased levels of bilirubin can lead to green vomit.
3. Intestinal Obstruction: Cancers that affect the intestines can cause blockages or obstructions, hindering the passage of food and waste. This can lead to a buildup of fluids and bile in the stomach, resulting in green vomit.
4. Medications: Certain chemotherapy drugs and other medications used to treat cancer can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and changes in the color of vomit. Green vomit may be a result of these medications' interactions with the digestive system.
5. Infections: People with advanced cancer may have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Certain bacterial or viral infections can cause green vomit as a symptom.
6. Electrolyte Imbalances: Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can also contribute to green vomit. These imbalances can occur due to factors such as poor nutrition, prolonged vomiting, or underlying medical conditions.
It's important to note that green vomit in a person with terminal cancer requires proper medical attention. The underlying cause needs to be identified and addressed to provide appropriate treatment and management of the symptoms.