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What Causes Watery Black Stool?

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Posted on Sat, 17 Jun 2017
Question: I just had a watery black stool--it was not tarry-and have been taking Advil for 3 weeks for leg injury as well as ASA 325mg daily. What should I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
bleed, iron supplements, peptobismol

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic


Black stool can be due to bleeding from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be due to the use of iron supplements or products like peptobismol.

If you are not using any of the above and a bleed is the likely cause then the use of the prilosec and the discontinuation of the NSAIDs ( ibuprofen and aspirin) is a very good idea.
Prilosec may not act immediately, they reduce acid production but they have no effect on the acid that is already there.
Reduced oral intake is also necessary to allow the area to heal

In the case of a bleed, you need, however, to see your doctor. This is important, your blood count needs to be checked and your doctor may also suggest imaging to find the damaged area

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 minutes later)
I knew that I needed to add to my original that was using Peptobismol for diarrhea so I think I have the "perfect storm"

doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
pepto is known to cause black stool

Detailed Answer:
HI

If you have been using pepto bismol, then noticed black stool, that could definitely be the cause.

It is a known side effect
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. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Watery Black Stool?

Brief Answer: bleed, iron supplements, peptobismol Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Black stool can be due to bleeding from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be due to the use of iron supplements or products like peptobismol. If you are not using any of the above and a bleed is the likely cause then the use of the prilosec and the discontinuation of the NSAIDs ( ibuprofen and aspirin) is a very good idea. Prilosec may not act immediately, they reduce acid production but they have no effect on the acid that is already there. Reduced oral intake is also necessary to allow the area to heal In the case of a bleed, you need, however, to see your doctor. This is important, your blood count needs to be checked and your doctor may also suggest imaging to find the damaged area I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions