What is indicated by "hematochezia"?

Hematochezia specifically refers to the passage of bright red blood through the rectum, which is indicative of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The presence of bright red blood in stools suggests that the source of bleeding is relatively close to the anus, such as conditions involving the colon or rectum, including hemorrhoids or diverticular disease. This terminology is important for medical professionals in diagnosing the underlying cause of the blood loss and determining the urgency of further evaluation.

Other options describe different medical conditions. Blood in the urine pertains to hematuria, while dark-colored stools suggest the presence of digested blood or melena, which indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Vomiting of blood is described as hematemesis. Each of these terms helps differentiate sources and types of bleeding within the gastrointestinal system, providing crucial context for clinical assessments.