What is the medical term for excessive loss of blood?

The medical term for excessive loss of blood is hemorrhage. Hemorrhage refers specifically to the escape of blood from the circulatory system, which can occur internally or externally. In cases of significant blood loss, this condition poses serious health risks, including shock and organ failure due to insufficient blood volume.

The other terms refer to different medical conditions: hematoma refers to a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically due to bleeding at a site of injury. Hematuria indicates the presence of blood in urine, which can highlight various medical issues such as kidney stones or infections. Hemoptysis refers to the coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract, usually signaling a problem within the lungs or airways. Each of these terms describes distinct medical phenomena, reinforcing why hemorrhage is the accurate choice for excessive blood loss.