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Can Gastrointestinal Bleeding Lead To Blackened Stools?
Question: Hi,
My stool has been black since yesterday. I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow. What are some reasons that stool is black?
My stool has been black since yesterday. I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow. What are some reasons that stool is black?
Brief Answer:
Can be blood
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal-black color due to the changes the blood has in the bowel.
Have you ever had a colonoscopy done? After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years.
It is recommended to you as if you are having this bleeding the stool tests confirm that you are really bleeding.
A CBC would be a good test to be done to look for bleeding to see if you are developing anemia as a complication of bleeding and need treatment for it or not.
However, initially a test called stool for occult blood has to be done.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Can be blood
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal-black color due to the changes the blood has in the bowel.
Have you ever had a colonoscopy done? After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years.
It is recommended to you as if you are having this bleeding the stool tests confirm that you are really bleeding.
A CBC would be a good test to be done to look for bleeding to see if you are developing anemia as a complication of bleeding and need treatment for it or not.
However, initially a test called stool for occult blood has to be done.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
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