Question 1

how do you tell the difference between dark brown stools and black stools and are dark brown stools normal?

Accepted Answer

Black is bad: Black stools are completely black or black green. Dark brown stools are fine. The color of the stool is very dependent on the diet a diet rich in red meat will have dark brown stools but they should not be black. Blackstilt can be seen when there is blood in the digestion track or from senna cathartics.

Question 2

i'm under a lot of stress and anxiety. when i went to the bathroom the stool was light brown and black (peptobismol) there was a littlemucus floating.

Accepted Answer

IBS: this sounds like IBS- get examined and evaluated by your physician. Additionally- stop self mediciating. Ask for specific  medication for your symtoms

Question 3

i just got over a flu, but my stool is dark brown/black and i have a deep cough that's very painful, also intense ear pressure that makes me deaf?

Accepted Answer

Flu like illness: You may be having a bacterial infection in the ear.  The brown black stool can develop from peptobismol or eating beets etc.  Also can be a sign of intestinal bleeding.  You should discuss this with your doctor.

Question 4

could you name a disease for each tipe of stool?
greenish-brown stools;
greenish-black and sticky;
pinkish-red;
bright green.

thanks a lot!

Accepted Answer

No. : It doesn't work that way. Stool color is influenced by diet and gut bacteria. The variations in stool color, consistency, and texture are not necessarily associated with any disease. See your doctor if bowel function is consistently abnormal.

Question 5

what do you advise if i had one brown stool, and one half brown and black stool a few minutes ago.?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: stool color will vary depending on food intake. Be concerned if multiple stools have blood or are black like tar. If either occur repeatedly you need to report this to your doctor.

Question 6

i have been having really bad stomach pains, vomited twice and had diarrhea. my stool was dark brown/black and had things around it. what is this?

Accepted Answer

Hard to know: Probably viral gastroenteritis.  If you have no fever or other systemic complaints and this does not go away or get markedly better within the next 24-48 hrs go and see a doctor.  Hope you are better soon.

Question 7

why is my stool a very dark brown black color?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: Black stools can be due to medications that contain either iron or bismuth, eating certain foods (like black licorice), Gastrointestinal bleeding or ingestion of charcoal.

Question 8

my stool has been very dark brown/black the last 2 weeks and my appetite has been down. what could be causing this??

Accepted Answer

A simple stool: test obtained from your Primary Care Physician's Office will disclose any blood in your stool (which could explain the black stools) Otherwise your diet pretty much influences the color of your stools! Sounds like you need a "check up"...make an appointment TODAY! 
Hope this helps and Good Luck

Dr Z

Question 9

i have been having deep dark brown (black like)stool for the past few days. i have had no pain during and prior to this. ?

Accepted Answer

Needs to be seen: Black stools  are not normal.  It could be from some type of food you are recently eating, but  you need to be seen and evaluated  for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Question 10

my stool is brown+black on some days i take iron?

Accepted Answer

Black stools w/ iron: Dark-colored stools may result from iron supplements, foods you eat (like a lot of spinach), substances (like peptobismol), but most significantly suggests bleeding. When blood is denatured by acid in your stomach, as from ulcers, stools will turn tarry ("melena"). Blood may also be ingested from nose bleeds, bleeding gums... Persistent melena (without obvious cause) & symptoms warrants md visit.

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Doctor answers about:

Stool brown and black

A member asked:

How do you tell the difference between dark brown stools and black stools and are dark brown stools normal?

A member asked:

I'm under a lot of stress and anxiety. when i went to the bathroom the stool was light brown and black (peptobismol) there was a littlemucus floating.

A member asked:

I just got over a flu, but my stool is dark brown/black and i have a deep cough that's very painful, also intense ear pressure that makes me deaf?

A member asked:

Could you name a disease for each tipe of stool? greenish-brown stools; greenish-black and sticky; pinkish-red; bright green. thanks a lot!

A member asked:

What do you advise if i had one brown stool, and one half brown and black stool a few minutes ago.?

A member asked:

I have been having really bad stomach pains, vomited twice and had diarrhea. my stool was dark brown/black and had things around it. what is this?

A member asked:

Why is my stool a very dark brown black color?

A member asked:

My stool has been very dark brown/black the last 2 weeks and my appetite has been down. what could be causing this??

A member asked:

I have been having deep dark brown (black like)stool for the past few days. i have had no pain during and prior to this. ?

A member asked:

My stool is brown+black on some days i take iron?

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