Question 1

i have dark brown stools, almost tarry (not quite black) in small to mid-size areas. does this indicate blood in my stools?

Accepted Answer

It could...: But there are many other non-blood causes of dark stools (meds, diet, etc) .  Fortunately it is easy to tell by bringing a small sample to your md to test for blood.  If blood is found a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy could be performed to rule out a source of bleeding.

Question 2

black stool this morning. was not tarry, didnt disperse in the water. i poop an hour later,  it was dark brown, not black. had pepto on wed. & thurs.

Accepted Answer

Likely Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate): Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can cause a change in the color of stool and turn it black. As long as you are not otherwise noticing any significant associated symptoms like abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, this is not a worrisome concern.

Question 3

what can cause "tarry" stool?

Accepted Answer

Concerning: Assuming you are not taking any meds with bismuth, tarry stool is often an indicator of bleeding from the intestinal tract and should be thoroughly and promptly evaluated by a gastroenterologist. Do not delay!

Question 4

what is meant by a black or tarry stool?

Accepted Answer

Blood: It could represent bleeding from the GI tract so go see your doctor.

Question 5

i have been having dark brown ( not jet black ) stools recently....is this normal? quite scared to be honest?

Accepted Answer

: If you have any concern you could have your stool tested for blood. An over the counter kit may be available for the test.
For healthy diet: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/., exercise 30 minutes/day, drink enough water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. 
Get HPV and Covid vaccines. Wish you good health!

Question 6

i have brown with mostly black stool?

Accepted Answer

Problem: Black stools or melena, is always considered blood. It usually comes from the stomach or the beginning parts [higher up in our jargon] of the small intestine. Bleeding from colon usually comes out red. Black or red stools need to be investigated.

Question 7

dark brown, but not black stool. what could it be?

Accepted Answer

What you ate?: Color of stools varies widely, and reflects mostly what you've eaten as well as some medications. Generally not a reliable sign of anything, but any color can contain hidden blood, so if you're worried, your physician can do a simple hemoccult for hidden blood in the office.

Question 8

dark brown nearly black stool with no other symptoms what is this?

Accepted Answer

Could be: Something you ate, medication, or occult blood.  Get it tested to make sure.  Some black foods can make your stools dark, and meds such as iron and bismuth in peptobismol can make your stools black or dark.

Question 9

speaking of black stools, do you mean very dark brown or truly black?

Accepted Answer

Black: Black stools (melena) are potentially worrisome as this can be a sign of intestinal bleeding.  A few other things can cause black stools (like iron supplements) but regardless, you should have it checked by your doctor.

Question 10

what do you advise if i had dark brown with mostly black stool this morning. should i worry?

Accepted Answer

If it was: black, tarry and foul-smelling it could be related to GI bleeding. That would warrant medical eval. Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

Brown tarry stool

A member asked:

I have dark brown stools, almost tarry (not quite black) in small to mid-size areas. does this indicate blood in my stools?

A member asked:

Black stool this morning. was not tarry, didnt disperse in the water. i poop an hour later, it was dark brown, not black. had pepto on wed. & thurs.

A member asked:

What can cause "tarry" stool?

A member asked:

What is meant by a black or tarry stool?

A member asked:

I have been having dark brown ( not jet black ) stools recently....is this normal? quite scared to be honest?

A member asked:

I have brown with mostly black stool?

A member asked:

Dark brown, but not black stool. what could it be?

A member asked:

Dark brown nearly black stool with no other symptoms what is this?

A member asked:

Speaking of black stools, do you mean very dark brown or truly black?

A member asked:

What do you advise if i had dark brown with mostly black stool this morning. should i worry?

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