Question 1

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 2

what does it mean if you have  black stools?

Accepted Answer

Dark-colored stool: 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. Silver-colored stool suggests bleeding from the biliary tree. Get checked.

Question 3

what to do if i have black stools, what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Nothing or something: Many things turn stool black - like iron pills or bismuth (pepto bismal). So, unless it is a continuing problem, don't worry.
However, blood from the upper intestine - stomach ulcer, polyp, inflammation does cause the stool to be black.
If it is a continuing problem, see a doctor. Tests like an upper GI series or an upper endoscopy can easily detect a problem.
Peter wilk, md.

Question 4

i have had black stools. what is going on and what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding?: It may represent bleeding somewhere in your GI tract so go see your doctor.

Question 5

i have been naususe for several months, now the past 2 days i have been having black stools i mean coal black what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

Melena: If you have black, tarry, malodorous stool - it is very possibe that you have gastrointestinal bleeding. If that is the case get this assessed asap. If you are taking a medication like pepto bismal for your abdominal discomfort- it may be turning the stool black.

Question 6

what doea greasy jet black stool mean?

Accepted Answer

Dark-colored stool: 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. Silver-colored stool suggests bleeding from the biliary tree. Get checked.

Question 7

what does it mean when you have black stool?

Accepted Answer

Could be blood: Black stool, especially if it has a tarry consistency, could be a sign of blood in the stool. Medications, such as pepto-bismol, can also turn stool black. Just to be sure, you should see your doctor to check for the presence of blood in the stool.

Question 8

what does black stools mean in a 5 month old?

Accepted Answer

Diet or: If there is a lot of iron supplementation in the milk or milk supplement this could explain black stools also of course an upper G.I. Bleed which is unlikely send foods can also cause black stools especially ones rich in iron and minerals.

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

can red soda or ketch-up cause black stools? not tarry, sticky, or worse smelling, just really dark/ almost (if not) black

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Hi
With red soda, sometimes it can, although it really depends on the type of food coloring used and how much of it you consumed. I haven't heard of ketchup causing red stool before, but I would assume that if there was heavy food coloring used, it could be possible.

Hope this helps

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Doctor answers about:

What does black tarry stool mean

A member asked:

What is meant by a black or tarry stool?

A member asked:

What does it mean if you have black stools?

A member asked:

What to do if i have black stools, what does it mean?

A member asked:

I have had black stools. what is going on and what does this mean?

A member asked:

I have been naususe for several months, now the past 2 days i have been having black stools i mean coal black what's wrong?

A member asked:

What doea greasy jet black stool mean?

A member asked:

What does it mean when you have black stool?

A member asked:

What does black stools mean in a 5 month old?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Can red soda or ketch-up cause black stools? not tarry, sticky, or worse smelling, just really dark/ almost (if not) black

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