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Black tarry stool causes: what to know

Where Black Stools is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Black Stools is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Black tarry stool may result from bleeding in the upper digestive tract, but iron, bismuth, or dark foods can also change stool colour.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Also called
Melaena or tarry stools
Key concern
Possible upper digestive-tract bleeding
Helpful detail
Record medicines, supplements, and stool changes

What the appearance can mean

Melaena is stool that is black, sticky, and often unusually strong-smelling because blood has been digested as it moves through the stomach or small intestine. Possible sources include gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or irritation linked with Helicobacter pylori infection. Iron tablets and bismuth-containing stomach remedies may darken stool without causing bleeding, but colour alone cannot safely distinguish the causes.

What to do next

Think back to recent medicines, supplements, and foods, and note when the change began, how often it happened, and whether the stool was sticky or loose. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Arrange prompt medical assessment if the colour is unexplained or returns; a clinician may review your medicines, examine you, and decide whether blood tests or digestive-tract testing is needed.

When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency help for black tarry stool with vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, fainting, marked weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, or cold clammy skin. These signs can accompany significant gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint; ask someone to help or contact local emergency services.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your medicines or supplements could explain the colour, whether testing for Helicobacter pylori is appropriate, and which symptoms should trigger immediate reassessment. Tell the clinician about pain, indigestion, dizziness, vomiting, alcohol use, and any medicine that can irritate the stomach.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can iron make stool look black?

Yes. Iron can darken stool, but a sticky tar-like appearance or other illness symptoms still needs medical advice.

Is black tarry stool always an emergency?

It can signal bleeding. Get urgent help when it occurs with faintness, weakness, blood vomiting, severe pain, or breathing difficulty.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.