Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What is meant by a black or tarry stool?
11 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Blood: It could represent bleeding from the GI tract so go see your doctor.
Answered 7/17/2017
5.9k views
Thank
Agree w Dr. Hemming: If stool is black, tarry and has a foul odor - this could be melena which is due to GI bleeding. Seek prompt medical attention if that the case.
Answered 7/15/2018
3.5k views
Thank
The stool is: black and sticky like tar from blood in the stool.
Answered 11/14/2014
3.5k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
A few hours ago my stool came out in non-tarry black pellets. I went again, this time it came out in short grey ribbons. Only consumed a burger & soda?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What causes black tarry stools, i always heard it was cancer?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Is it normal to have dark brown/charcoal grey (not black or tarry) stools?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Just been diagnosed with crohns disease, I have had black stools but they are not tarry they are quite loose as well, should I be worried?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Can "liquid" iron cause black specs in stool? Even thou its meant to be easier to absorb.
I have dark brown stools, almost tarry (not quite black) in small to mid-size areas. Does this indicate blood in my stools?
What to do if I have recently gone to the bathroom and have seen black tarry, oily lookin stools that were moving weirdly i'm the toilet?
Can Zantac affect stool? Stool appeared dark, but I wouldn't say black or tarry.
I read on webmd about black tarry stools, I have one maybe 2 to 3 times a month, what does that mean?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
