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Gastroenterologists break down the biggest potential causes of black poop, plus what to do next.
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.
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]
By contrast, dark red or maroon blood may mean you are bleeding higher up in your colon, and black or tar-like stool suggests bleeding in your stomach from an ulcer, he notes. (Here’s why blood ...
Dr. Jirik says, “Tarry black stools and red bloody-appearing stools — which can suggest a GI bleed — should be evaluated without delay.” She adds, “Pale stools, ...
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.
Unintended weight loss/lack of appetite—this could indicate serious illness when coupled with pale stools and warrants medical attention. Severe diarrhea with signs of dehydration.
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