What do black stools feel like with a peptic ulcer?

Ulcer bleeding higher in the digestive tract can be changed by digestion before it leaves the body. The stool may be black rather than brown, have a sticky or tar-like texture, and smell stronger than usual. You may also have upper-abdominal burning or aching, nausea, indigestion, tiredness, dizziness, or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds. Black stool can have other explanations, including iron tablets or dark foods, so its cause cannot be confirmed by appearance alone.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if new black, tarry stool appears, especially with ulcer symptoms. A clinician may ask about medicines such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers, check your vital signs and blood count, and test for bleeding or Helicobacter pylori. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice, but mention every medicine, supplement, and pain reliever you use.

Seek emergency help for black stool with fainting, severe weakness, confusion, rapid breathing, cold clammy skin, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or vomit containing blood or coffee-ground material. These can signal significant digestive bleeding and need immediate assessment.

Ask whether the stool could indicate bleeding, whether your medicines raise ulcer risk, which tests are needed, and how to recognise a recurrence. Tell the clinician when the colour changed, how often it has happened, and whether pain, dizziness, or vomiting occurred.