Question 1

what causes black stool?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes it is: caused by things like iron supplementation or Peptobismal. If there is black, tarry malodorous stool it could be GI bleeding and should prompt medical evaluation. Take care.

Question 2

what if i have black stool?

Accepted Answer

Simple to serious: Quality of the your stool and  your diet is important.  If your stool is firm and formed it is possible that this may be related to iron which could be in  spinach or supplements. Also pepto-bismol or beets may do this.  If  your stool is soft and "tarry" this more likely would be blood.  Also blood makes stools  more frequent.  Stools need to be checked for blood by your doctor asap.

Question 3

my stool is black which is just quite icky?

Accepted Answer

?  bleeding: Hello. If the stool is black, tarry (sticky) and has a bad odor - then gastrointestinal bleeding could be a cause. Your doctor can easily check for blood in the stool.

Question 4

what does it mean when you stool is black looking?

Accepted Answer

Stomach pain?: The most concerning cause of black stools is bleeding in the stomach, usually caused by an ulcer or gastritis. Blood turns black when it comes in contact with stomach acids.   Pepto-Bismol, iron supplements and foods such as blueberries and licorice can also cause black stools. You didn't mention if you were having any pain, if you are you need to see your doctor asap for evaluation.

Question 5

if my stool is black and/or dark green what is wrong?

Accepted Answer

Although either of : These can be related to medication or foods which have been ingested, green stool is usually associated with rapid transit time through the GI tract.  If stool is black, tarry and malodorous - that could be melena (gi bleeding).  For latter, please seek prompt medical evaluation. Take care.

Question 6

what does it mean if the stool is black and  looks more like small balls?

Accepted Answer

Black stool: Black stool can occur due to iron supplementation or due to bleeding in upper GI tract, latter known as melena. You should have this evaluated by your physician. The small balls are usually indication of constipation.

Question 7

just had a cysto/hydro and went home with foley cath.my stool is black in color.is this serious?

Accepted Answer

Could be: Black stools can reflect intestinal bleed.  Medications and the mental stress of surgery could induce a peptic ulcer.  Get a stool test from pharmacy to test for blood.  If is blood need to call doctor; especially if light headed when stand up, which is a symptom which can indicate that blood volume is getting dangerously low.  If you are taking iron tablets, these can cause dark stools.

Question 8

brother suggests black cookies like oreos can make your stool dark asnight.my stool is black as black could be. ate about 40 in 3 hours.this possible?

Accepted Answer

Black stool usually: Means melena, which means bleeding from upper GI tract.  I suppose black food can make your stools black if you eat enough of it, but don't take that chance.  Get your stool tested for occult blood.  If you are bleeding from your GI tract, it is something serious.  Get to emergency dept now.

Question 9

is occassional black stool common?

Accepted Answer

No: Usually portends an intermittent Upper GI bleed.  See your PCP ASAP

Question 10

black stool, is it really black or just dark?

Accepted Answer

Melena = black: When concerned about melena from GI blood loss, the stool is tarry black. If concerned ask your doctor to check your stool for blood.

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Doctor answers about:

What is stool is black

A member asked:

What causes black stool?

A member asked:

What if i have black stool?

A member asked:

My stool is black which is just quite icky?

A member asked:

What does it mean when you stool is black looking?

A member asked:

If my stool is black and/or dark green what is wrong?

A member asked:

What does it mean if the stool is black and looks more like small balls?

A member asked:

Just had a cysto/hydro and went home with foley cath.my stool is black in color.is this serious?

A member asked:

Brother suggests black cookies like oreos can make your stool dark asnight.my stool is black as black could be. ate about 40 in 3 hours.this possible?

A member asked:

Is occassional black stool common?

A member asked:

Black stool, is it really black or just dark?

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