Stomach cramps with black stool

Digested blood can make stool black, sticky, and unusually foul-smelling. Gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter Pylori Infection can irritate the stomach or duodenum and cause bleeding. Iron tablets, bismuth-containing medicines, and some dark foods can also change stool colour, but a new black tarry stool should not be self-diagnosed, especially when cramps, weakness, dizziness, or vomiting are present.

Contact urgent medical services or an emergency department for advice today, and describe the stool colour and texture clearly. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a clinician has told you to do so. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and avoid alcohol. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or weak.

Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, cold clammy skin, severe weakness, rapid breathing, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, or severe abdominal pain. Even without these signs, black tarry stool with cramps warrants same-day assessment because bleeding can worsen before it is obvious.

Ask whether your medicines could darken stool, whether bleeding tests or a camera examination are needed, and which pain relievers are safe while the cause is being investigated.