A 27-year-old member asked:
What can cause my stool to be black and stinky?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 44 years experience
Bleed. Call MD NOW: Black, tarry stools can be seen with bleeding in the gut- usually upper GI tract (stomach, duodenum), but not always; even without pain, nausea, etc. Risks include aspirin, nsaids, alcohol, ulcer history, steroids.
Black stools also from pepto-bismol, iron pills, arsenic (not prescribed anymore), charcoal.
Black is black, dark is dark.
Call doc now. If lightheaded, chest discomfort, palps: er now.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
What are some causes that would turn my stool black?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Melena?: Medications with bismuth like pepto bismal. Black, tarry, malodorous stool can be due to GI bleeding and should be promptly evaluated.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
San Rafael, CA
A 57-year-old female asked:
What is are causes of black, grainy stool?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Gina Cadena-forneyanswered
Family Medicine 22 years experience
Upper bleed: Black stool is usually the result of an upper digestive bleeding. Blood turn black after traveling the digestive tract. You should see your doctor and discuss having an endoscopy.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What can cause black streaks in stool?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is the cause of black slimy stool?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Get eval: Some causes of stool being black include taking medications that contain bismuth or eating foods or supplements that contain iron. Stool that is black, tarry and smells bad can be melena. Melena is due to GI bleeding. Recommend prompt medical evaluation.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Hampton, GA
A 52-year-old female asked:
What causes stool to be black?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Black Stool: can be related to taking medications (like pepto bismal). If the stool is black, stinky and sticky - it may be due to rectal bleeding (melena). If that is the case - it should be promptly medically evaluated. Take care.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
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.