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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea And Abdominal Cramps
Question: I have had diarrhea and severe cramps for the past 7 days, but today I am constipated and what does come out is black and tar like. Still have the cramps, and I have not taken anything OTC that would cause this.
Brief Answer:
is it pepto-bismol? If yes, the black stool is normal
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
tar like black stool is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood works like a laxative in the intestine. It is modified by the intestine and its bacteria to look like tar, black, shiny and smelly. Bismuth contained in pepto-bismol (this is what you used, right?) may also make the stool black but not shiny. If this is the case with you then this is normal and you shouldn't worry. Otherwise urgent investigation for blood loss is warranted. The "emergency scenario" is not very likely because there is already one good explanation for the color of your stool and also because constipation is against recent blood loss.
Diarrhea lasting for a week or so requires investigation for its cause, starting with stool culture and microscopic examination. If a pathogen is revealed then appropriate treatment should be initiated. Otherwise symptomatic treatment is only required. Loperamide is usually sufficient to contain the diarrhea.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
is it pepto-bismol? If yes, the black stool is normal
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
tar like black stool is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood works like a laxative in the intestine. It is modified by the intestine and its bacteria to look like tar, black, shiny and smelly. Bismuth contained in pepto-bismol (this is what you used, right?) may also make the stool black but not shiny. If this is the case with you then this is normal and you shouldn't worry. Otherwise urgent investigation for blood loss is warranted. The "emergency scenario" is not very likely because there is already one good explanation for the color of your stool and also because constipation is against recent blood loss.
Diarrhea lasting for a week or so requires investigation for its cause, starting with stool culture and microscopic examination. If a pathogen is revealed then appropriate treatment should be initiated. Otherwise symptomatic treatment is only required. Loperamide is usually sufficient to contain the diarrhea.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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