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What Do Black And Tarry Stool While On Treatment For Diverticulitis Indicate?
Question: 5 days ago I went to ER with pain in lower stomach. I knew probably diverticulitis. Did CAT scan and confirmed. Was given antibiotic injection and 2 prescriptions for same. Was pain free until yesterday and
developed pain (not as severe as before) but observed that stool was/is very loose and black and tarry.
I know that indicates bleeding. I am on a remote ranch - do I need to get somewhere very quickly?
Is this a medical emergency that is life threatening.
developed pain (not as severe as before) but observed that stool was/is very loose and black and tarry.
I know that indicates bleeding. I am on a remote ranch - do I need to get somewhere very quickly?
Is this a medical emergency that is life threatening.
Brief Answer:
Black Tarry stools indicate Upper GI bleed , common etiologies ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Black and tarry stools irrespective of the cause and history is a medical emergency as it indicates an upper GI bleed and always need hospitalization to rule out the cause underneath with work up to find the the bleeder and likely cause and then manage it accordingly. We usually start patients on terlipressin as well intravenously for at least 3 days until the color of the stools resolves and urgent endoscopy is advised to rule out any active bleeding there.
There are many other benign cases where stool color changes as well like foods additives, some iron rich supplements or foods, some junk foods and can ring a false alarm as well. But there is no harm in getting evaluated whenever stool color changes and with age of 73 and history of bowel issues evaluation gets more necessary.
Nutshell you should get to a hospital as soon as possible with lout wasting any more time.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Black Tarry stools indicate Upper GI bleed , common etiologies ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Black and tarry stools irrespective of the cause and history is a medical emergency as it indicates an upper GI bleed and always need hospitalization to rule out the cause underneath with work up to find the the bleeder and likely cause and then manage it accordingly. We usually start patients on terlipressin as well intravenously for at least 3 days until the color of the stools resolves and urgent endoscopy is advised to rule out any active bleeding there.
There are many other benign cases where stool color changes as well like foods additives, some iron rich supplements or foods, some junk foods and can ring a false alarm as well. But there is no harm in getting evaluated whenever stool color changes and with age of 73 and history of bowel issues evaluation gets more necessary.
Nutshell you should get to a hospital as soon as possible with lout wasting any more time.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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