What is the medical term for vomiting of blood?

The medical term for vomiting blood is hematemesis. This term specifically refers to the act of expelling blood from the stomach through vomiting. Blood that is vomited may appear red or have a dark, coffee-ground-like appearance, depending on the origin and duration of the bleeding within the digestive tract.

Understanding this term is important for EMTs as it can indicate a serious medical condition requiring immediate attention. Conditions that might lead to hematemesis include gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, varices, or severe gastritis.

In contrast, hematochezia refers to the passage of fresh blood through the rectum, often associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Melena indicates dark tarry stools caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, where the blood has been digested. Menarche is the term for the first occurrence of menstruation in females and is unrelated to gastrointestinal bleeding. Thus, recognizing and distinguishing these terms is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in emergency medical situations.