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Melena is a form of blood in stool which refers to the dark black, tarry feces that are commonly associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. [1] The black color and characteristic strong odor are caused by hemoglobin in the blood being altered by digestive enzymes and intestinal bacteria. [2]
Along with smelly stool, other symptoms include watery stool, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and abnormal heartbeat, per the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 8. You have cancer.
A diet high in fiber makes stool softer, while a low-fiber diet can cause hard, dry stools, Dr. Uradomo says. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
An infection that affects your gut and triggers diarrhea can also cause green stool. ... For instance, Pepto Bismol can temporarily turn stools black, as can iron supplements. If you don’t think ...
Blood may be observed in vomit or in altered form as black stool. Depending on the amount of the blood loss, symptoms may include shock. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by peptic ulcers, gastric erosions, esophageal varices, and rarer causes such as gastric cancer.
Digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract may appear black rather than red, resulting in "coffee ground" vomit or melena. [2] Other signs and symptoms include feeling tired, dizziness, and pale skin color. [18] A number of foods and medications can turn the stool either red or black in the absence of bleeding. [2]
Eating beetroot can cause harmless red-colored feces because of insufficient metabolism of a red pigment, and is a differential sign that may be mistaken as hematochezia. Consumption of dragon fruit or blackberries may also cause red or black discoloration of the stool and sometimes the urine (pseudohematuria). This too, is a differential sign ...
Diet can help with constipation, eating more fiber and fewer high-fat foods. These are the most effective foods at relieving constipation, a dietitian says. The best 16 foods to relieve ...