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What Causes Dark Red Stool?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017
Question: Hi, my stool earlier today was a darkish orange/red color and I just went again and it was a bright red/maroon color. Is this normal?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Questions so that I can help:

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

When I first read your information, the first think I think of when I hear that stool is red or maroon is from bleeding, but given how homogenous the color is, and given your young age, I am wondering:

1. Have you eaten anything with red or orange coloring or food coloring in the past couple of days?

2. Are you having any abdominal pain or unusual digestive symptoms?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)
I haven't eaten anything with red or orange food coloring in the past few days, and yes I do have some lower abdominal pain/feelings of gas/bloated and some overall discomfort in my stomach.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
In that case, I recommend going in to be seen today (urgent care of ER). There they can do a digital rectal exam and test your stool for blood.

Better to check and be safe.

Please let me know how you are doing after you have gone in.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Dark Red Stool?

Brief Answer: Questions so that I can help: Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX When I first read your information, the first think I think of when I hear that stool is red or maroon is from bleeding, but given how homogenous the color is, and given your young age, I am wondering: 1. Have you eaten anything with red or orange coloring or food coloring in the past couple of days? 2. Are you having any abdominal pain or unusual digestive symptoms?