Have you been experiencing your stools to be darker, sticky, or tar-like? Medically termed as melena, this usually indicates bleeding within the upper gastrointestinal tract, like in the stomach or small intestine. While passing through the system, the blood gets degraded, which lends the particular black colour and texture to the stool.
Melena is one of the most frequent causes of a visit to the emergency department due to gastrointestinal bleeding. The earlier this change is recognised, the better. Furthermore, early understanding of the black stool reason, and action can help save lives. Let’s acquire more information about this condition through this blog.
What is Melena?
Melena is known as tarry, black and foul-smelling stools caused by the digested blood passing through the gut. It is not a change in the stool colour, but a sign that blood is coming from the top section of the digestive system, such as, small intestine or stomach. In many cases, the black stool reason is linked to food items as well. Approximately 80 to 150 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which usually leads to melena, has taken place in every 100,000 individuals every year, globally. Having a good understanding of this condition early on can help you prevent unwanted delays during black stool treatment and diagnosis.
What are the Causes of Melena (Black Stool)?
Right before heading to the causes, it helps to know why the black stool reason deserves so much attention and must not be brushed aside. Although some medications can darken the stool, the condition is usually connected to bleeding inside the digestive system. Here are some of the causes of melena:
Upper GI Bleeding
The black stool indicates that it is caused due to bleeding taking place in the upper GI (Gastrointestinal) tract, like damaged blood vessels, gastritis or stomach ulcers. This mainly happens when the blood is broken down as it travels through the digestive system.
Peptic Ulcers
If you are wondering why is my stool black, peptic ulcers could be one of the causes. Open sores in the first part of the small intestine or stomach can bleed. This can lead to melena.
Tear and Varices
Swollen veins in the oesophagus (very common in liver conditions) or small tears due to severe vomiting can bleed and lead to Melena.
Serious Conditions
Less often, cancers in the digestive system or other ailments can lead to bleeding, which results in black stool.
Harmless Causes
Some food items, such as blueberries and black licorice, iron supplements, and medications (bismuth-containing drugs) are also among the main black stool causes. They do turn the stool black, but they do not involve bleeding and are typically temporary.
What are the Symptoms of Melena to Watch Out For?
There are many symptoms of black stool without blood; knowing what they are can help you obtain treatment early. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Tar-like, sticky or black stool
- Foul and strong smell
- Fatigue, dizziness or weakness (due to blood loss)
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material (this is a sign of upper GI bleeding)
- Light-headedness or pale skin in serious cases.
If the black appearance is because of medication or food, there are typically no other black stool symptoms.
Diagnoses of Melena
To effectively diagnose Melena, physicians might do the following:
- Stool tests to check for hidden blood
- Endoscopy (a camera down the throat) to see and treat the bleeding source
- Blood tests to check for anaemia and overall condition
The physician might ask about the use of alcohol, diet, medical history and medicines as part of the evaluation.
Treatment Options Available for Melena
The treatment for black stool in pregnancy depends heavily on the cause. Here is what you should know:
- Treating Blood Loss: If bleeding has caused anaemia or weakness, doctors may give IV fluids or a blood transfusion.
- Endoscopic Therapy: During endoscopy, doctors can stop active bleeding using clips, injections, or cauterisation.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as acid-blocking drugs (like proton pump inhibitors), help ulcers and gastritis heal. On the other hand, antibiotics might be used if infections like H. pylori are involved.
When to Seek Medical Assistance?
Here are some of the reasons when should you worry about black stool:
- The stool appears tarry and black, and you are not on iron or certain medications.
- You feel short of breath, faint, dizzy or weak.
- You notice blood in the vomit or experience severe abdominal pain.
Internal bleeding is a severe concern, and it needs professional care. Make sure to seek immediate medical help if something like this takes place.
Conclusion
Black stool should always be taken seriously, especially when it appears suddenly or comes with weakness, pain, or dizziness. While the cause can range from ulcers to other digestive conditions, timely medical evaluation is essential. Only a doctor can confirm the exact cause. Early medical advice helps rule out danger and ensures timely treatment when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Black Stool
Is black stool serious?
Not always, but sudden black stool without diet or medicine changes should be checked to rule out internal bleeding.
Is it okay to have black stool sometimes?
Black stool can be harmless if caused by iron supplements or certain foods, but if it appears without an obvious reason, it may indicate internal bleeding and should be checked by a doctor.
Does black poop mean liver damage?
Black stool does not always mean liver damage, but in people with liver disease, it can signal bleeding in the digestive tract due to complications like varices.
What stage of liver disease is black stool?
Black stool is more commonly linked to advanced liver disease, where portal hypertension can cause internal bleeding, and it requires immediate medical attention.
Can iron supplements cause black stool?
Yes, iron supplements can cause black or dark-colored stools, which is usually harmless and a common side effect. However, if black stools are accompanied by pain, dizziness, or weakness, medical advice should be sought.
