Bloody, tarry stools
Alternative names
Stools - bloody; Hematochezia; Melena; Stools - black or tarry
Definition
Bloody stools often indicate an injury or disorder in the digestive tract. Your doctor may use the term "melena" to describe black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools or "hematochezia" to describe red- or maroon-colored stools.
Considerations
Blood in the stool may come from anywhere along your digestive tract, from mouth to anus. It may be present in such small amounts that you cannot actually see it, but is only detectable by a fecal occult blood test. When there IS enough blood to change the appearance of your stools, the doctor will want to know the exact color to help find the site of bleeding. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may use endoscopy or special x-ray studies.
A black stool usually means that the blood is coming from the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Blood will typically look like tar after it has been exposed to the body's digestive juices. Stomach ulcers caused by ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are common causes of upper GI bleeding.
Maroon-colored stools or bright red blood usually suggest that the blood is coming from the lower part of the GI tract (large bowel or rectum). Hemorrhoids and diverticulitis (inflammation of an abnormal pouch in the colon) are the most common causes of lower GI bleeding. However, sometimes massive or rapid bleeding in the stomach causes bright red stools.
Consuming black licorice, lead, iron pills, bismuth medicines like Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries can also cause black stools. Beets and tomatoes can sometimes make stools appear reddish. In these cases, your doctor can test the stool with a chemical to rule out the presence of blood.
Brisk bleeding in the esophagus or stomach (such as with peptic ulcer disease), can also cause you to vomit blood.
Common Causes
Upper GI tract (usually black stools):
Bleeding stomach or duodenal ulcer
Gastritis
Esophageal varices
Mallory-Weiss tear (a tear in the esophagus from violent vomiting)
Trauma or foreign body
Bowel ischemia (a lack of proper blood flow to the intestines)
Vascular malformation
Lower GI tract (usually maroon or bright red, bloody stools):
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Diverticular bleeding
Intestinal infection (such as bacterial enterocolitis)
Vascular malformation
Inflammatory bowel disease
Tumor
Colon polyps or colon cancer
Trauma or foreign body
Bowel ischemia (a lack of proper blood flow to the intestines)
Call your doctor if you notice blood or changes in the color of your stool. Even if you think that hemorrhoids are causing blood in your stool, your doctor should examine you in order to make sure that there is no other, more serious cause present at the same time. That's why you shouldn't cancel your scheduled colonoscopy.
The following questions may be included in the history to better understand the possible causes of your bloody or dark stools:
Is there blood on the toilet paper only?
What color is the stool?
When did it develop?
Have you had more than one episode of blood in your stool? Is every stool this way?
Are you taking blood thinners or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)?
Have you ingested black licorice, lead, Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries?
Have you had any abdominal trauma or swallowed a foreign object accidentally?
What other symptoms are also present -- abdominal pain, vomiting blood, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, or fever?
Have you lost any weight recently?
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2007-10-16 22:53:42
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answer #1
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answered by rosieC 7
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Blood Around Stool
2016-12-14 14:22:48
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answer #2
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answered by seeley 4
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Hemorrhoids can result in a huge amount of discomfort, throb, irritation and scratching. In case you are suffering of hemorroids and you need discard them, this is surely the best approach to discard hemorrhoids : http://treathemorrhoid.kyma.info I always had stoppage or hard stools. At times i would even have torment when im resting and it would simply come on all the sudden. I figure it was a result of the nerves in that area or the body. I am normally very doubtful yet the ache was path worst than the cash it would cost to see whether it worked or not. So i tried it and it says it cure most individuals withing 48 hours session it didn't cure me that quick. In case its straining that is the problem then you need to get some more fiber in your consuming technique, notwithstanding no short of what 8 glasses of water of the day. In case its irritation then use simply sensitive tissue and add aloe to calm the area down. There are furthermore certain nourishments that can offer support. Trust me take after this technique: http://treathemorrhoid.kyma.info It unquestionably tackled my hemorrhoids problem .If you take after this procedure for a couple of days you will see that your problem will vanish.
2014-09-29 19:03:10
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Bloody stools, chronic abdominal pain - these are symptoms that could (I must stress COULD) indicate something serious like internal bleeding. Added to the multiple other symptoms, I have to say that I would seriously consider seeing a medic of some sort. I understand that might not be easy for you (I am in the UK), but to leave it too long might be to leave it too late. I wish you well.
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2016-04-13 23:05:32
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Most of the time, treatment for hemorrhoids involves steps that you can take on your own, such as lifestyle modifications. Learn here https://tr.im/UTZAJ
But sometimes medications or surgical procedures are necessary. If your hemorrhoids produce only mild discomfort, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads. These products contain ingredients, such as witch hazel or hydrocortisone, that can relieve pain and itching, at least temporarily.
Don't use an over-the-counter cream or other product for more than a week unless directed by your doctor. These products can cause side effects, such as skin rash, inflammation and skin thinning.
2016-02-11 05:11:39
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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joint pains bloody stool
2016-01-27 00:37:00
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answer #6
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answered by Charley 5
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2017-02-20 10:37:53
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answer #7
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answered by Carlos 3
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2017-02-19 20:20:36
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answer #8
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answered by ? 4
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