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Suggest Treatment For Dark Stools Along With Diarrhea
Question: I have had an upset stomach and diarrhea for 2.5 days following a horrible head cold. Today my
stool is very dark, almost black. Just took Kaopectate. Drinking lots of water. Any ideas?
stool is very dark, almost black. Just took Kaopectate. Drinking lots of water. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
likely related to pepto bismol
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The black color is likely due to the pepto bismol. Bismuth containing medications can cause a black discoloration to the stool.
The other causes would be iron containing meds/supplements or bleeding from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract eg from a peptic ulcer or esophageal varices (occurs in persons with heavy alcohol use).
If you do have a history of bleeding from the esophagus or history of peptic ulcer then you would need to be assessed.
If there is no such history then it is likely due to the pepto bismol. You should use either rehydration packets or sport drinks like gatorade to rehydrate.
Though the water is giving your fluids, it would not help to replace the electrolytes that you are losing.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
likely related to pepto bismol
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The black color is likely due to the pepto bismol. Bismuth containing medications can cause a black discoloration to the stool.
The other causes would be iron containing meds/supplements or bleeding from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract eg from a peptic ulcer or esophageal varices (occurs in persons with heavy alcohol use).
If you do have a history of bleeding from the esophagus or history of peptic ulcer then you would need to be assessed.
If there is no such history then it is likely due to the pepto bismol. You should use either rehydration packets or sport drinks like gatorade to rehydrate.
Though the water is giving your fluids, it would not help to replace the electrolytes that you are losing.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How about coconut water - been drinking plenty of that, too and should I be eating dairy or what kind of diet would you suggest for the next 48 hours or so? I've been doing lots of yogurt and nuts, some cheese, and organic Pacific soups. Nothing else has appealed.
Brief Answer:
coconut water good
Detailed Answer:
HI
Coconut water is good, would give back potassium.
NO diary right now. Continue the yogurt if it is one of the types with probiotics which help to restore the colon.
If diarrhea is still present, no solid food, only liquids and yogurt.
When there is a 4 hour period of no symptoms, you can start with small amounts of dry foods.
please feel free to ask any other questions
coconut water good
Detailed Answer:
HI
Coconut water is good, would give back potassium.
NO diary right now. Continue the yogurt if it is one of the types with probiotics which help to restore the colon.
If diarrhea is still present, no solid food, only liquids and yogurt.
When there is a 4 hour period of no symptoms, you can start with small amounts of dry foods.
please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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