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A member asked:
My 4 year old has black tarry poop. today and yesterday. he didn't eat anything of the color. i can't think of what is causing it. should i be worried?
6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Tarry poop: many thing can turn poop blackened tarry. Pepto Bismol, (bismuth subsalicylate) Iron. If he has not consumed those the other cause would be more worrisome and may indicate needing from the stomach. If worried take him to the ER today.
Answered 9/7/2014
3.7k views
Few possible causes: Some medications can cause this (some GI meds that contain bismuth like pepto-bismol). If there was also no new medications and the problem persists I would see a doctor. Black stools can be a sign of upper GI bleeding ("melena") and require further work up.
Answered 5/30/2016
3.7k views
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