hematemesis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The vomiting of blood: A medical term for the act of vomiting blood, which is a symptom of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Usage
- Hematemesis is a formal, clinical term used primarily in medical contexts. It describes a specific symptom, not the underlying condition causing it. It is typically used by healthcare professionals in diagnosis, documentation, and discussion.
Examples
- The patient was admitted to the emergency room due to hematemesis.
- Hematemesis can be a sign of a serious condition such as a bleeding ulcer.
- The doctor noted the hematemesis in the patient's chart.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in differential diagnoses to describe the presenting symptom.
- The differential diagnosis for hematemesis includes gastritis, esophageal varices, and Mallory-Weiss tears.
Variants and Related Words
- Haematemesis (noun): An alternative British English spelling of hematemesis.
- Emesis (noun): The act or process of vomiting.
- Hemoptysis (noun): Coughing up blood from the respiratory tract. (This is a different symptom often contrasted with hematemesis).
Synonyms
- Vomiting blood: The direct, non-technical description of the symptom.
Antonyms
- There is no direct antonym, as it is a specific medical symptom. A state of normal digestion without bleeding could be considered the opposite condition.
Notes on Meaning
- Hematemesis specifically refers to blood that is vomited, indicating its origin is from the esophagus, stomach, or the beginning of the small intestine. The appearance of the blood (e.g., bright red vs. dark, coffee-ground-like) can provide clues about the location and severity of the bleed. It is distinct from hemoptysis (coughing up blood from the lungs).