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What Causes Black Stool?
Question: I Have very dark black fecus when I use the bath room? Have never had this happen before.
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
You have indicated that you have noted dark black discoloration of your feces. There are a couple of possibilities in this case.One concern with dark stool is that it might represent some degree of gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding can happen anywhere from the esophagus to the stomach to the small intestine or the colon.
A stomach ulcer for example could cause slow amount of bleeding which can cause black discoloration of stool. If you continue to notice this or if you develop bright red blood in your stool then you should evaluate this with your primary care doctor soon as possible.
Another possible cause of dark stool is iron supplementation. If you happen to be taking an iron tablet this might explain the symptoms you have described. Otherwise I would Monitor for the next couple of days and talk to your doctor if symptoms are getting worse.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
You have indicated that you have noted dark black discoloration of your feces. There are a couple of possibilities in this case.One concern with dark stool is that it might represent some degree of gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding can happen anywhere from the esophagus to the stomach to the small intestine or the colon.
A stomach ulcer for example could cause slow amount of bleeding which can cause black discoloration of stool. If you continue to notice this or if you develop bright red blood in your stool then you should evaluate this with your primary care doctor soon as possible.
Another possible cause of dark stool is iron supplementation. If you happen to be taking an iron tablet this might explain the symptoms you have described. Otherwise I would Monitor for the next couple of days and talk to your doctor if symptoms are getting worse.
Thank you again for sending your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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