What should you know about black and bloody stool?

Black stool may be sticky, tar-like, and unusually strong-smelling when blood has been digested higher in the stomach or bowel. Bright red blood can come from lower in the digestive tract, although colour alone cannot locate the source. Iron tablets, bismuth medicines, and dark foods can also change stool colour, but they do not explain fresh blood or a person who feels unwell.

Bleeding may occur with gastritis or a peptic ulcer, including problems associated with Helicobacter Pylori Infection. These conditions can present with upper-abdominal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting, but some people have no warning symptoms before bleeding.

Arrange medical advice promptly and describe whether the stool was black and tarry, dark brown, or streaked with red. Note when it began, how often it happened, and any abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or change in bowel habits.

Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. Tell the clinician about iron, bismuth, aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, blood thinners, alcohol use, and any recent stomach illness. A clinician may examine you and decide whether blood tests or further digestive-tract assessment is needed.

Seek emergency help now for heavy or repeated bleeding, black tarry stool with dizziness or fainting, confusion, marked weakness, pale clammy skin, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or trouble staying awake. These signs can indicate significant blood loss or another urgent digestive problem.

Even a single unexplained black stool or bloody bowel movement deserves timely medical advice, especially during pregnancy, in a child, or when taking a blood thinner.

Ask what might explain the colour, whether your medicines could contribute, whether testing for Helicobacter Pylori Infection is appropriate, and which symptoms should bring you back urgently.