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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.
Focusing on foods that provide soluble (which may soften stool) and insoluble fiber (which helps move bulk through the intestinal system) is the key to reducing constipation.
Common side effects include constipation, abdominal pain, dark stools, and diarrhea. [14] Other side effects, which may occur with excessive use, include iron overload and iron toxicity. [11] [13] Ferrous salts used as supplements by mouth include ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous succinate, and ferrous sulfate. [13]
A number of foods and medications can turn the stool either red or black in the absence of bleeding. [2] Bismuth found in many antacids may turn stools black as may activated charcoal. [2] Blood from the vagina or urinary tract may also be confused with blood in the stool. [2]
Blood in stool looks different depending on how early it enters the digestive tract—and thus how much digestive action it has been exposed to—and how much there is. The term can refer either to melena, with a black appearance, typically originating from upper gastrointestinal bleeding; or to hematochezia, with a red color, typically originating from lower gastrointestinal bleeding. [6]
Soluble fiber supplements such as psyllium are generally considered first-line treatment for chronic constipation, compared to insoluble fibers such as wheat bran. Side effects of fiber supplements include bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and possible malabsorption of iron, calcium, and some medications. However, patients with opiate-induced ...
Dark chocolate health risks. While dark chocolate contains plenty of micronutrients that are important for your health, new research provides good reason to make sure you're not eating too much of it.
The most common side effects of xanomeline/trospium chloride include nausea, indigestion, constipation, vomiting, hypertension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, tachycardia (increased heartbeat), dizziness, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. [2] In September 2024, it was approved for medical use in the United States.