Question 1

i have dark brown/green tools almost on the tarry side. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Probably is: Stool color change based on your diet and intestinal transit time and absorption.  Dark brown and green stools do happen and does happen once in a while.  However, if it is truly tarry and black, get it checked for blood since it will suggest bleeding above the stomach (ulcer?).  Taking things like a lot of blueberries, iron and pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can make your stools black as well.

Question 2

drink 3 liters of h20 a day, snack on nuts all day, 30+ minutes of excercise.. darkest brown, tarry bm's that are hard to pass. cause for concern?

Accepted Answer

Mgt: This is a possible cause for concern, since you may have blood loss from the GI tract. I would recommend seeing a physician and a test for stool heme. In the meantime, fiber and vegetables in your diet along with yogurt can help.

Question 3

what causes  dark, tarry stools?

Accepted Answer

Depends: But most concerning would be a source of bleeding from your upper intestinal tract. Black tarry stools called melena are caused by bleeding from the upper tract that has been exposed to the acid from your stomach. This needs to be evaluated and treated promptly.

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

what does a dark, tarry and pasty stool look like?

Accepted Answer

Just as U described: 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.

Question 6

what causes dark patches on one side of stool. (not tarry and not melane)?

Accepted Answer

Be sure not blood: Hi YijunB
Test to be sure its not blood.  Many dietary items (skins of fruit or vegetables for example) can appear as dark blobs in otherwise formed stool. Medications containing bismuth can form lumps as well. If it continues, consult your PCP or a GI specialist.

Question 7

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 8

black not tarry not smelly and dry stools for 3 days no pain should i be worried no special medication and also no special food?

Accepted Answer

Should be worried: Black stools usually indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, however Iron supplements and Pepto-Bismal can also turn stools black. **See a physician as soon as possible to test stool for blood if not taking these medications. Upper GI bleeding from a peptic ulcer or other cause can be serious if not treated.

Question 9

what do tarry stools mean?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding in GI tract: Black tarry stools are due to bleeding in the gastro-intestinal tract and if you had black tarry stools, please see your doctor asap.

Question 10

what does it mean if i have tarry stools?

Accepted Answer

Blood or meds: Blood from high up in your digestive tract can cause black tarry sticky stools.  This blood could come from swallowed blood from a nosebleed, an ulcer or other stomach problems, or bleeding in the intestine.  The digestive chemicals turn the blood black and sticky and tarry.  Alternatively, certain medicines like pepto-bismol can also turn your stools black and tarry.   See your physician.

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Doctor answers about:

Tarry

A member asked:

I have dark brown/green tools almost on the tarry side. is this normal?

A member asked:

Drink 3 liters of h20 a day, snack on nuts all day, 30+ minutes of excercise.. darkest brown, tarry bm's that are hard to pass. cause for concern?

A member asked:

What causes dark, tarry stools?

A member asked:

What is meant by a black or tarry stool?

A member asked:

What does a dark, tarry and pasty stool look like?

A member asked:

What causes dark patches on one side of stool. (not tarry and not melane)?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Black not tarry not smelly and dry stools for 3 days no pain should i be worried no special medication and also no special food?

A member asked:

What do tarry stools mean?

A member asked:

What does it mean if i have tarry stools?

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