hematemesis

Definition

Vomiting blood, nature's way of saying your GI tract needs immediate attention. It's the kind of symptom that gets you to the front of the emergency department line.

Example Usage

The patient with a history of cirrhosis presented with hematemesis and required urgent endoscopy.

Origin

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'emesis' (vomiting)

Fun Fact

Coffee-ground hematemesis (dark, granular blood) indicates the blood has been exposed to gastric acid, helping clinicians localize the bleeding to the upper GI tract rather than the esophagus.

Source: Gastroenterology and emergency medicine terminology

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