Dark or Black Stool Causes

Stool can darken after iron, bismuth products, or strongly coloured foods. Bleeding from the stomach or upper intestine can instead produce melaena: black, shiny, sticky stool with a tar-like consistency and a strong odour. Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer are possible causes, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection can contribute to ulcer disease. Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, paleness, dizziness, or breathlessness increase concern. Colour alone cannot identify the cause, so the texture and your wider symptoms matter.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a new black stool, especially if it is tarry or repeated. Make a list of recent foods, iron, bismuth, aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, and blood thinners. Keep the packaging available if possible. Do not take extra anti-inflammatory pain medicine while waiting, and do not stop prescribed treatment without professional advice. Assessment may include an examination, blood tests, stool review, or tests for an ulcer and Helicobacter pylori.

Go to urgent care if black stool comes with fainting, confusion, severe weakness, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, cold clammy skin, or rapid breathing. Repeated tarry stools also need urgent attention. If you feel stable but the change is unexplained, contact a clinician promptly rather than waiting for it to recur. Read more about Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection before your appointment if useful.

Does the appearance fit bleeding or a medication effect? Could an ulcer or gastritis be involved? Do I need blood testing, stool testing, or an examination of the upper digestive tract?