Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Go to an emergency department now if a newborn has green vomit.
Call emergency services if a baby is difficult to wake, has blue or grey skin, is struggling to breathe, or becomes limp or unresponsive.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Green vomiting can be caused by duodenal atresia or another intestinal obstruction that needs prompt testing.
After surgery, seek urgent medical assessment for:
Repeated green vomiting
A rapidly swelling or tender abdomen
Vomiting with an inability to keep feeds down
Much fewer wet nappies or other signs of dehydration
Blood in vomit or stool
Fever in a young baby or concern that the baby is becoming unwell
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact the child’s usual surgical or paediatric team for non-urgent concerns such as ongoing reflux, constipation, slow feeding, poor weight gain, or questions about the wound.
These concerns still deserve review, but they are different from sudden green vomiting or signs of severe illness.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Duodenal atresia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.