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Loss Of Appetite. Black Tart Stool
Question: Loss of appetite. Black tart stool
Brief Answer:
Upper gastro intestinal bleed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing 'Ask a Doctor' service for your query,
Have reviewed your details.
Upper g.i bleed could be considered when a person says he has black tarry stool.A stool occult blood test or a stool microscopy should be done to confirm the presence of blood with the stools.
Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal black colour(tar colored)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. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it as you are having this bleeding if the stool tests confirm you are really bleeding.
A CBC would be a good test to be done if you suspect bleeding to see if you are developing anaemia as a complication of bleeding and need treatment for it or not.
I hope this is helpful and answers your questions but please feel free to reply in case any more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Upper gastro intestinal bleed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing 'Ask a Doctor' service for your query,
Have reviewed your details.
Upper g.i bleed could be considered when a person says he has black tarry stool.A stool occult blood test or a stool microscopy should be done to confirm the presence of blood with the stools.
Generally, blood coming from higher levels (stomach and small bowel) converts into a dark coal black colour(tar colored)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. Even if you have had this test in the last 5 years it might be recommended to repeat it as you are having this bleeding if the stool tests confirm you are really bleeding.
A CBC would be a good test to be done if you suspect bleeding to see if you are developing anaemia as a complication of bleeding and need treatment for it or not.
I hope this is helpful and answers your questions but please feel free to reply in case any more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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