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Are Black Stools Indicative Of Blood In The Bowels?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Jan 2024
Question: What does it mean when your stool is solid black?
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Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

Could be blood in the stool.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

There are a few things to consider when a person says he has black and dark stool.

Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal-black color due to the changes the blood has in the bowel.

Have you ever had a colonoscopy done? After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years.

Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it as you are having this bleeding it could spot the site of bleed.

Initially get a stool for the occult test done to see if there is blood in the stool or not.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Are Black Stools Indicative Of Blood In The Bowels?

Brief Answer: Could be blood in the stool. Detailed Answer: Hello, There are a few things to consider when a person says he has black and dark stool. Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal-black color due to the changes the blood has in the bowel. Have you ever had a colonoscopy done? After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it as you are having this bleeding it could spot the site of bleed. Initially get a stool for the occult test done to see if there is blood in the stool or not. Hope I have answered your query. Take care Regards, Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist