Does gastritis cause black stools?

Bleeding higher in the digestive system can turn stool black, sticky, and tar-like as blood is changed during digestion. Gastritis irritates the stomach lining and may sometimes cause this type of bleeding. Dark stool can also follow iron medicines or some foods, so colour alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may ask about the stool's texture, medicines, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and previous digestive problems.

If your stool is newly black or tarry, contact a healthcare professional promptly, even if you feel reasonably well. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice, but mention pain relievers, blood thinners, iron, and stomach medicines. Keep track of when the change began and whether it recurs. Avoid alcohol and medicines that can irritate the stomach until you have received individual guidance.

Seek emergency help for black tarry stool with vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, fainting, marked weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, or severe abdominal pain. These features can signal significant bleeding or another urgent problem. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint; ask someone to stay with you while emergency help is arranged.

Ask whether the stool appearance could reflect bleeding, whether any current medicine should change, and which tests may be appropriate. Also ask how to recognise worsening symptoms and when follow-up is needed if the colour returns to normal.