Black poop and vomiting: what to know

Stool that is truly black, sticky, or tar-like may contain digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine. Vomit that is red or resembles coffee grounds can also contain blood. Causes can include an ulcer, inflammation of the stomach lining, or irritation after repeated vomiting. Iron tablets, bismuth-containing medicines, and some dark foods can change stool colour without bleeding, but vomiting at the same time makes a medical review more important. Food poisoning or gastroenteritis may explain vomiting, yet they do not make tarry stool something to ignore.

Contact urgent medical care today and describe the stool’s colour and texture, what the vomit looked like, when symptoms began, and any medicines you take. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen unless a clinician has specifically advised them. If you can keep fluids down, take small sips of water while arranging care; avoid alcohol and heavy meals. Do not drive if you are dizzy or unusually weak.

Call emergency services immediately for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, trouble breathing, a fast or pounding heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, repeated blood-stained vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Pale clammy skin or very little urine can suggest significant fluid loss or circulatory strain. Even without these signs, new black tarry stool with vomiting warrants prompt assessment.

Could this be bleeding, and do I need blood tests or a camera examination? Which medicines should I stop or avoid? What changes in stool or vomit should prompt emergency help?