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A member asked:
What should i do if i get black stool?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
See a doctor: Black stool is concerning for a small source of minor bleeding in the GI tract. This needs to be evaluated further as to figure out the cause.
Answered 6/10/2014
5.2k views
Black stool: Can be caused by a bleeding source in your stomach. When the acid in stomach mixes with the blood it turns black and presents as black stool or melena. Pepto bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) has bismuth which also turns the stools black. If not using pepto, you need to see a GI doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Don't wait til it appears as fresh blood in the stool as that indicates more rapid and severe bleeding.
Answered 6/10/2014
5.2k views
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