Six potential reasons for dark-colored stools and when to seek medical attention
Black, tarry stools, medically known as melena, can be a concerning symptom for adults. If this symptom persists beyond being caused by certain foods like blueberries, licorice, or blood sausage, it may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
This bleeding can be a sign of several potentially serious conditions, such as bleeding ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, esophageal bleeding, gastrointestinal tract injuries, gastric or duodenal ulcers, blood vessel abnormalities, tumors or cancers in the GI tract, diverticular bleeding, and hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infections may also cause blood in the stool, but black, tarry stools suggest upper GI rather than lower GI bleeding.
The black, tarry appearance results from blood being digested as it passes through the intestines, turning it dark and sticky. This symptom can signal serious underlying causes like ulcers, tumors, or vascular lesions that require treatment.
Issues with the esophagus, such as esophageal varices and gastroesophageal reflux, can also cause bleeding, leading to black, tarry stools. Angiodysplasia, a condition involving blood vessels in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, can also cause bleeding and black, tarry stools.
Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory condition, can cause blood in a person's stool, making it appear black and tarry. Frequent gastroesophageal reflux can result in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Long-term use of drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin can cause stomach ulcers, leading to bleeding and black, tarry stools. Taking iron supplements and the indigestion medication bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can also turn stool black.
If black, tarry stools persist, medical evaluation is important since this symptom can signal serious underlying causes. Healthcare professionals may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, increasing dietary fiber, and avoiding certain medications, to lower the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Doctors can diagnose the underlying cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and provide suitable treatment. For conditions like angiodysplasia, treatments may include argon plasma coagulation ablation or endoscopic clips and band ligation. In some cases, doctors may recommend stopping the use of pain relievers if they suspect medications are causing stomach ulcers.
If you experience persistent black, tarry stools, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue can be signs that someone should seek medical help regarding gastrointestinal bleeding.
- In certain cases, black, tarry stools could indicate ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.
- Esophageal bleeding, caused by conditions like esophageal varices or gastroesophageal reflux, might result in black, tarry stools.
- Gastrointestinal tract injuries, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and blood vessel abnormalities can cause black, tarry stools.
- Tumors or cancers in the GI tract, particularly those in the upper region, might lead to black, tarry stools.
- Diverticular bleeding and hemorrhoids or anal fissures can also cause black, tarry stools.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infections can cause blood in the stool, making it appear black and tarry, although upper GI bleeding is more common.
- The black, tarry appearance of stool results from blood being digested as it passes through the intestines.
- Black, tarry stools can signal serious underlying causes like ulcers, tumors, or vascular lesions that require treatment.
- Various conditions in the esophagus, such as esophageal varices and gastroesophageal reflux, can lead to bleeding and black, tarry stools.
- Angiodysplasia, a condition involving blood vessels in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, can cause bleeding and black, tarry stools.
- Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory condition, can cause blood in a person's stool, resulting in black, tarry stools.
- Long-term use of drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause stomach ulcers, leading to bleeding and black, tarry stools.
- Taking iron supplements and the indigestion medication bismuth subsalicylate can also turn stool black.
- The sensation of gastroesophageal reflux can result in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- If black, tarry stools persist, a medical evaluation is vital due to the potential serious underlying causes.
- Healthcare professionals may advise lifestyle changes, including avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, to lower the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Doctors can diagnose the underlying cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and recommend suitable treatment.
- Treatments for conditions like angiodysplasia might include argon plasma coagulation ablation and endoscopic clips and band ligation.
- In some cases, doctors might recommend stopping the use of pain relievers if they suspect medications are causing stomach ulcers.
- Symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue can be signs that someone should seek medical help regarding gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Arthritis, a chronic disease, can impact health-and-wellness by causing pain and inflammation in joints.
- Multiple sclerosis, a neurological disorder, affects the central nervous system and can lead to various symptoms such as vision loss, mobility issues, and cognitive impairment.
- Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, which can be managed with appropriate therapies-and-treatments.
- Bipolar disorder, a mental health issue, is characterized by extreme mood swings and can be effectively managed with the right combination of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, is a chronic disease caused by high levels of sugar in the blood, and it can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
- Predictive science plays a significant role in multiple industries, including manufacturing, finance, and environmental science.
- Workplace-wellness programs prioritize employee health through promoting fitness-and-exercise, mental-health support, and nutrition education.
- Obesity, a chronic disease, is associated with numerous health risks, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
- Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, often caused by Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of certain medications, can lead to complications in digestive-health and cardiovascular-health.
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can cause breathing difficulties and require proper management.
- Eye-health is crucial to maintain overall well-being, and regular eye exams are essential in detecting conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration early.
- Hearing loss is common and can be managed with hearing aids or surgery. Chronic ear infections can also cause hearing difficulties.
- Fitness-and-exercise plays a significant role in maintaining healthy cardiovascular-health and weight management.
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are complex ailments that require management to reduce symptoms and slow disease progression.
