Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Feb 26, 2024
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Abdominal pain
Black poop
Throwing up blood
Tarry stools
Poop is like coffee grounds
Black shiny stool
Coal black stool
Poop was really dark
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Black stool is also called melena and is often described as tarry in texture and foul smelling. The blood is darker because it has been digested. It can be caused by bleeding in the upper part of the gut or ingesting iron supplements, bismuth (found in Pepto-Bismal) or certain foods, like black licorice.
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Generally, Black or tarry stool can be related to:
Ulcers are sores that can develop in the stomach and small intestines. In severe cases, the ulcers can be deep and cause bleeding within the gut wall. Common causes include the bacteria H. pylori, and painkillers such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve (NSAIDs).
Cancer of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach). The primary symptom is worsening trouble with swallowing or a feeling that something is stuck in the food tube. Sometimes people have weight loss and fatigue as well. It is diagnosed when a doctor, usually a gastroenterologist, puts a tube with a camera down the throat while the patient is sleeping and takes a biopsy of any abnormality they see in the esophagus. Once the cancer has been diagnosed by biopsy, CT scans, PET scans and MRIs may be ordered as well. Known risk factors include alcohol, smoking, a condition called "Barrett esophagus," gastric acid reflux and age.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a rare condition where one or more tumors in the stomach, known as gastrinomas, result in the production of too much gastric acid. The excessive acid may cause peptic ulcers in your stomach or intestine, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and vomiting. Some people with this condition may have a genetic problem known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).
Sometimes, Black or tarry stool may be related to these serious diseases:
Rupture of blood vessels in the esophagus (food pipe), leading to significant bleeding. This typically occurs in advanced liver disease when veins enlarge due to high pressure.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
National Library of Medicine. (2020)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003130.htmReviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
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Aug 30, 2024 (Female, 40s)
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