What does black-coloured stool mean?

Bleeding higher in the digestive system can make stool black, sticky and tar-like because blood is altered during digestion. A peptic ulcer, gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infection can be among the possible causes. The symptom does not by itself identify one condition.

Iron tablets and bismuth-containing products can produce dark or black stool. Food pigments may do the same, but they are less likely to create a tar-like texture or unusually strong odour. Consider the texture, timing, medicines, and accompanying symptoms together.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a new black or tarry stool, particularly when no obvious food or medicine explanation exists. Record the colour and texture, recent medicines, and symptoms such as nausea or upper-abdominal discomfort. Avoid taking extra anti-inflammatory pain medicine until a clinician advises you, because some products can irritate the digestive lining.

Call emergency services if black stool occurs with dizziness, fainting, unusual drowsiness, severe pain, vomiting blood, breathlessness, or a racing heartbeat. Those features can signal urgent bleeding or reduced circulation. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused.

Ask what features distinguish medicine-related dark stool from melaena, whether you need blood or stool testing, and whether evaluation for gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, or peptic ulcer is appropriate.