What should you know about thick tarry stool?

Digested blood can make stool black, sticky, and tar-like, often with an unusually strong smell. Possible sources include Gastritis, a Peptic Ulcer, or irritation linked with Helicobacter Pylori Infection. Some foods, iron products, and medicines can also darken stool, but a genuinely tarry texture should not be dismissed based on colour alone. Blood loss may cause tiredness, dizziness, weakness, fast heartbeat, or pale skin, even when abdominal pain is absent.

Contact urgent medical services or attend an emergency department for new tarry stool, particularly if it has happened more than once. Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen unless a clinician has specifically advised them. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and note when the stool began, its appearance, and any vomiting or abdominal symptoms. Do not drive yourself if dizzy or faint.

Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, vomiting blood, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, or trouble breathing. Urgent assessment is also needed for repeated black stools, dizziness on standing, or a rapid pounding heartbeat. A clinician may check circulation, blood count, medicines, and the digestive tract to find the source.

Ask whether your medicines or supplements could contribute, whether testing for Helicobacter Pylori Infection is appropriate, and how to protect the stomach while the cause is investigated. Mention previous ulcers, gastritis, alcohol use, and any recent vomiting.