What charcoal-black poop can mean

Stool can look dark after certain foods, iron, or bismuth-containing medicines. Bleeding higher in the digestive tract can instead make stool black, shiny, sticky, or tar-like, often with a strong smell. Causes can include Gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, or a Peptic Ulcer. Appearance alone cannot identify the cause, and a person may not see blood directly. Tell a clinician about medicines, supplements, recent foods, pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habit.

If the colour is unexplained, contact a clinician promptly, especially when the stool is tarry or appears repeatedly. Keep a note or photograph if practical, and bring a list of medicines and supplements. Do not take extra painkillers or stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. A clinician may examine you and arrange tests to look for blood or its source.

Seek emergency help for black stool with dizziness, fainting, weakness, confusion, fast breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or vomit resembling coffee grounds. Urgent assessment is also needed if stools are repeatedly tarry or you feel increasingly unwell. Digestive bleeding can worsen even when the first episode seems small.

Ask whether a medicine or food could explain the colour, whether you need testing for bleeding, and whether symptoms fit Gastritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, or a Peptic Ulcer. Mention any regular anti-inflammatory pain medicine or blood thinner.