Question 1

elderly patient with recurring gi bleeding and black stool. is endo colonoscopy required to treat with ppi. other options? pepto bismo?

Accepted Answer

Work up needed: Pan endoscopy would be recommended in order to determine the bleeding source. A ppi trial would be justified if based on history and exam it is suspected that the bleeding originates in the upper gi tract. Peptobismol would cause dark stools and would not be indicated.

Question 2

could it be something bad if i have black stools?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Black stools can indicate bleeding from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It may represent blood that has been digested, turning the stool into a characteristic black, tarry stool. This may be from a stomach or duodenal ulcer. Medications can also turn the stool black, such as iron supplements and pepto-bismol. Should see your doctor.

Question 3

might eating oreos cause you to have black stools?

Accepted Answer

No: If you have black, tarry malodorous stool please seek prompt medical attention for possible GI bleeding.

Question 4

i have had black stools for the passed 8 weeks, what could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Possible melena: It could be a reaction to medication. However, if it is black, sticky and foul smelling it could be due to gastrointestinal bleeding. That requires prompt medical eval.

Question 5

what causes black stool?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it is: caused by things like iron supplementation or Peptobismal. If there is black, tarry malodorous stool it could be GI bleeding and should prompt medical evaluation. Take care.

Question 6

what if i have black stool?

Accepted Answer

Simple to serious: Quality of the your stool and  your diet is important.  If your stool is firm and formed it is possible that this may be related to iron which could be in  spinach or supplements. Also pepto-bismol or beets may do this.  If  your stool is soft and "tarry" this more likely would be blood.  Also blood makes stools  more frequent.  Stools need to be checked for blood by your doctor asap.

Question 7

is occassional black stool common?

Accepted Answer

No: Usually portends an intermittent Upper GI bleed.  See your PCP ASAP

Question 8

watery black stools. when to worry?

Accepted Answer

Immediately: This could be and very frequently is caused by GI bleeding...It does not tell you ,if , your are bleeding now or it's old blood...There are other causes but this must be checked NOW...Go to ER or Dr. And find out..You should not take a wait and see attitude ...

Question 9

what to do after seeing black stool?

Accepted Answer

It could be related : To medication (i.e., pepto bismal). But if it is black, tarry, sticky and foul smelling then it may be due to a  GI bleed and needs medical evaluation. Take care.

Question 10

i have black stool for two days now?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding: Mobic (meloxicam) can cause stomach ulcers. Black stools means you have been bleeding from your stomach most likely. Urge you to follow up as soon as possible with a physician.

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Doctor answers about:

Black stools in elderly

A member asked:

Elderly patient with recurring gi bleeding and black stool. is endo colonoscopy required to treat with ppi. other options? pepto bismo?

A member asked:

Could it be something bad if i have black stools?

A member asked:

Might eating oreos cause you to have black stools?

A member asked:

I have had black stools for the passed 8 weeks, what could be wrong?

A member asked:

What causes black stool?

A member asked:

What if i have black stool?

A member asked:

Is occassional black stool common?

A member asked:

Watery black stools. when to worry?

A member asked:

What to do after seeing black stool?

A member asked:

I have black stool for two days now?

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