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What Causes Black Stool?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Apr 2017
Question: I have a black stool in this Morning. There was no sign of black stool yesterday evening. It doesnt smell foul. And there is no other symptoms.. I had a heart burn yesterday and took some antacids.

I have an issue of acid reflux
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It can be due to occult blood.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.

Black stool can also be a indicator of serious condition, such as bleeding in the digestive tract caused by a peptic ulcer(as you hsve history of reflex disease). Black stool that is tarry in texture and foul smelling is often a symptom of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. This is called melena.

Bleeding that takes place in the esophagus, stomach, or the first part of the small intestine most often causes the stool to appear black or tarry.

Bleeding in the upper part of the GI tract will most often cause black stools due to: Abnormal blood vessels. Bloody or tarry stools refer to a stool sample that's either dark red or black in color. Bloody or tarry stools can indicate bleeding or other injuries in your gastrointestinal tract.

You may also have dark, discolored bowel movements after eating dark-colored foods

Suggestion-
Wait for a day or two, If things are not better then few tests are to be done
Stool for occult blood.
upper g.i endoscopy
Colonoscopy to rule out the possible cause of blood.

But initially first confirm it whether stools contain blood or not(By test called stool for occult blood).

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (58 minutes later)
hello Dr, I took Pepto bismul yester day evening for heart burn. is that could be a reason for black stool?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No its asome thing else.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear.
As er your query no i dont think that black tarry stools are because of pepto bismul.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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What Causes Black Stool?

Brief Answer: It can be due to occult blood. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. Black stool can also be a indicator of serious condition, such as bleeding in the digestive tract caused by a peptic ulcer(as you hsve history of reflex disease). Black stool that is tarry in texture and foul smelling is often a symptom of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. This is called melena. Bleeding that takes place in the esophagus, stomach, or the first part of the small intestine most often causes the stool to appear black or tarry. Bleeding in the upper part of the GI tract will most often cause black stools due to: Abnormal blood vessels. Bloody or tarry stools refer to a stool sample that's either dark red or black in color. Bloody or tarry stools can indicate bleeding or other injuries in your gastrointestinal tract. You may also have dark, discolored bowel movements after eating dark-colored foods Suggestion- Wait for a day or two, If things are not better then few tests are to be done Stool for occult blood. upper g.i endoscopy Colonoscopy to rule out the possible cause of blood. But initially first confirm it whether stools contain blood or not(By test called stool for occult blood). Thanks