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What Causes Black Stool And Low Hemoglobin Level?

Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014

Question: Hi, I want to consult a doctor for my aunt who is 60 years old. Initial symptoms: worms in the stomach and they even came out from the mouth which is very unusual. Initial treatment: The doctor gave the first dosage to kill the worms in the stomach. Next dosage he said is after 6 months. Current situation: Black loose motion, almost 12-15 times a day. As I read that it may be because of intestinal bleeding. Also hemoglobin (Hb) levels are v low as expected. Just a month before the worms came out from mouth, she had suffered from typhoid and once again 6 months back. (Assumed to be an usual case again) Please suggest a diagnosis. The current doctors are giving general medication to stop the loose motion and didn't even admit her to the hospital. I have a strong feeling that all this is related so I described the symptoms in detail. If you can recommend any doctors near Varanasi, UP or Kolkata, WB that would be great. Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Can be Pain killer or worm induced Detailed Answer: Dear Friend. Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern. Worm infestation itself can lead to Anemia (low hemoglobin). However, i also noticed that she is suffering from Knee joint pains (that is probably Osteoarthritis and NOT Rheumatoid arthritis). She must be taking pain killers for her knee joint pain, and actually that can cause NSAIDs(Pain killer) induced ulcers and can cause little but continuous bleeding from her stomach/duodenum, that can cause black tarry stools. However, since she is anemic, she requires investigations and treatment. You should not consult a local doctor for this problem, you need to see a good physician in your area. In the area you have mentioned, you should go to Banaras Hindu University (BHU). I suggest following investigations: 1. Hemogram with RBC Indices. 2. Iron Profile. 3. Blood Picture 4. Stool examination 5. UGI Endoscopy. 6. Stool For occult blood. This is ideal workup. In case you can not afford, share her all available investigations with me, so that i can tell you all possible ways to treat this. This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me. Stay Healthy. Dr Anshul Varshney , MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (11 minutes later)

Dr. XXXXXXX Thanks you very much for your advice. I will get the tests done and consult a good physician at BHU. Will reach out to you again if needed. Thanks again, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (17 hours later)

Brief Answer: Good Luck. Detailed Answer: Wish you Good Luck. If you have no further query, please close the discussion and rate it!! Stay Healthy.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E