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What Causes Charcoal Colored Stool?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Question: If I have charcoal colored stool, GERD, and moderate sharp pain in esophagaus, should I go to minor emergency center, ER, or wait a week for my appointment with regular doctor?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Immediately to your ER

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You currently having black charcoal colored stools. This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. I would recommend that you be seen in the nearest emergency room. There you can get all the proper testing and imaging that maybe needed to determine the site of your bleeding. I do not recommend going to a urgent care or to your PCP as they will not have all the equipment needed to diagnose your bleeding.

In summary
Be seen in the ER today

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Charcoal Colored Stool?

Brief Answer: Immediately to your ER Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You currently having black charcoal colored stools. This is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. I would recommend that you be seen in the nearest emergency room. There you can get all the proper testing and imaging that maybe needed to determine the site of your bleeding. I do not recommend going to a urgent care or to your PCP as they will not have all the equipment needed to diagnose your bleeding. In summary Be seen in the ER today I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions