Question 1

i noticed today that my stool was a bit darker brown than usual. definitely not black, just darker brown than it usually is. what caused this?

Accepted Answer

Most likely normal: Our stools can vary in color depending on what we eat.  Some foods such as beets clearly do this, while the amount of fiber and protein can shift the color slightly.  If you pass soft, well formed stools on a regular basis, don't feel pain with passing one, don't see any blood or black tar-like substance in or on it, then you most likely are fine.

Question 2

just passed a stool. it was hard and very lumpy, and was difficult to pass. also had a little bit of blood on the tp afterwards, what could cause it?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly: Either a hemorrhoid(dilated vein) or an anal fissure(a break in the surface tissue), but it's hard to say without examining you further.  You should try to optimize your bowel health to avoid hard stools that require you to strain.  Stay hydrated, eat fiber, consider using an over-the-counter stool softener in the short run like colace, (docusate sodium) consider sitz baths.  You should review this with your doc.

Question 3

should i be worry about hard, black and not smelly stool ? it is not tarry

Accepted Answer

Fiber and water: Try to increase your intake of water and fiber. For the latter you may take a laxative like Metamucil.

Question 4

today i saw this little black dots looking things on my stool, with foam. but the black thimgs were hard. what can this mean?

Accepted Answer

Probably nothing: It's probably nothing to be concerned about as long the stool normalizes . Likely something you ate.

Question 5

i had a one off hard, dark stool. i'm not sure if it was black but should i be concerned as it was a once off? i'm 21 and in otherwise good health?

Accepted Answer

Altered color stool: Color of stool varies with foods, speed of emptying of the GI tract, medications ; supplements ingested, gut flora (may vary per individuall), additives (like blood), subtractions (like absent bile), infection/exposures, inflammation, ; other factors. Probably okay if a single occurrence but persistent dark stool warrants exam ; treatment. Avoid nsaids, aspirin, etoh 4 now to minimize bleed risk.

Question 6

hard, black, seed-like specks in stool?

Accepted Answer

Stool change: Go to your doctor to have the stool analyzed for ova and parasites, occult blood, and culture and sensitivity.

Question 7

will medicine delta carbon (medicinal charcoal) causes stool to turn blackish ? but mixes with a bit brown? is it normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes but y take it: It adsorbs to its surface and thus prevents you from you from getting it into your body. Why are you taking the activated charcoal in the first place?

Question 8

what is the best formula to use for a 7 week old that struggles to pass stool. we have tried a few and our son is still in pain and crying whenever he passes stool. his stool is currently a bit hard too. ?

Accepted Answer

Adequate feeds: It is important to avoid dehydration which can present as dry diapers, dry lips as well. Bottle feeding is associated with a different less frequent pattern than breastfeeding. Burp the baby mid and after the feeding and if he still seems hungry offer more formula. Four oz of sterile water in 24 hours may also be provided. Follow up right away for blood, mucus, pain. He will be due for vaccines.

Question 9

can beets make your stool black? my stool is hard and black

Accepted Answer

Eating Beets can: Cause red stools sometimes. Eating  blue berries, black licorice, iron pills or medications containing bismuth can cause black stools.  Black stools associated with GI bleeds are usually malodorous and tarry.  A doctor can easily check stool for blood.

Question 10

there are some dark brown almost black, hard as a rock (pebble like) small pieces  in my stool for a month. what is my problem please?

Accepted Answer

Diverticulosis: Ask your physician on your next visit whether it is worth 'scoping you to look for diverticular disease. It is not especially treatable. The diverticula catch stool, and it hardens in the pouches until it escapes.

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Doctor answers about:

Hard black bits in stool

A member asked:

I noticed today that my stool was a bit darker brown than usual. definitely not black, just darker brown than it usually is. what caused this?

A member asked:

Just passed a stool. it was hard and very lumpy, and was difficult to pass. also had a little bit of blood on the tp afterwards, what could cause it?

A member asked:

Should i be worry about hard, black and not smelly stool ? it is not tarry

A member asked:

Today i saw this little black dots looking things on my stool, with foam. but the black thimgs were hard. what can this mean?

A member asked:

I had a one off hard, dark stool. i'm not sure if it was black but should i be concerned as it was a once off? i'm 21 and in otherwise good health?

A member asked:

Hard, black, seed-like specks in stool?

A member asked:

Will medicine delta carbon (medicinal charcoal) causes stool to turn blackish ? but mixes with a bit brown? is it normal?

A member asked:

What is the best formula to use for a 7 week old that struggles to pass stool. we have tried a few and our son is still in pain and crying whenever he passes stool. his stool is currently a bit hard too. ?

A member asked:

Can beets make your stool black? my stool is hard and black

A member asked:

There are some dark brown almost black, hard as a rock (pebble like) small pieces in my stool for a month. what is my problem please?

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