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What Causes Flatulence And Black Stools Despite Following A Healthy Diet?
Question: I am generally a healthy 79 year old female. I exercise regularly (long distance walking and strength training) and am of normal weight (5' 5"), 153 lbs. Until recently I have been drinking too much wine and have recently stopped. I have had a set of symptoms which points to cirrhosis of the liver...stomach gas and black stools. My diet is mostly chicken/fish and vegetables. Should I do anything else at this point? Marilyn
Brief Answer:
iron, peptobismol/kaopeptate , blood in the stool can cause it to be dark
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Black stools can be due to the use of iron supplements and peptobismol/kaopeptate.
If you are using any of these, may be the cause.
Black stools can also mean that there is blood in the stool from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus , stomach, small intestines). As the blood passes through the large intestines, it turns the stool black.
This can occur with cirrhosis.
It would be best, if you are not using iron or any of the meds mentioned (pepto/kaopeptate), that you see your doctor for assessment which would include examination of the abdomen and liver function blood tests. A complete blood count , to check your blood count, would also likely be needed.
Gas can occur with cirrhosis but can also occur in a number of other conditions so it is not as alarming. It can occur with constipation, reflux, use of certain fruits and vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, beans and peas etc)
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
iron, peptobismol/kaopeptate , blood in the stool can cause it to be dark
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Black stools can be due to the use of iron supplements and peptobismol/kaopeptate.
If you are using any of these, may be the cause.
Black stools can also mean that there is blood in the stool from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus , stomach, small intestines). As the blood passes through the large intestines, it turns the stool black.
This can occur with cirrhosis.
It would be best, if you are not using iron or any of the meds mentioned (pepto/kaopeptate), that you see your doctor for assessment which would include examination of the abdomen and liver function blood tests. A complete blood count , to check your blood count, would also likely be needed.
Gas can occur with cirrhosis but can also occur in a number of other conditions so it is not as alarming. It can occur with constipation, reflux, use of certain fruits and vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, beans and peas etc)
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thanks, that is what I thought your answer would be. Marilyn
Brief Answer:
no problem
Detailed Answer:
wishing you all the best
If there are any other queries can let me know
no problem
Detailed Answer:
wishing you all the best
If there are any other queries can let me know
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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