What is the medical term for vomiting blood?

The medical term for vomiting blood is hematemesis. This term breaks down into "hemat-" which refers to blood, and "-emesis," which means vomiting. Hematemesis can indicate a serious medical condition and is often associated with bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, varices, or esophagitis.

Understanding the other terms is helpful in distinguishing them from hematemesis. Hematuria refers specifically to the presence of blood in urine. Hematochezia describes the passage of fresh blood through the anus, typically indicating lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Epistaxis is the term used for nosebleeds. Having clarity on these distinct terms is essential for accurate medical communication and diagnosis.