Other names: tarry stools, melena, dark stools

Dark or black stools often raises concerns about bleeding disorders. Quite generally, however, darker coloration resulting consumption of certain food groups and pharmaceuticals. These include fruit and fruit (blueberries, black currants, red wine), vegetables (beets), charcoal and iron preparations. Therefore, rather than begin bleeding we think we should search his memory, whether in our diet for the last about two days (according to the emptying of frequency) figured i mentioned foods or medications.

However, if the stool color except black and slimy character (like tar) and sweet smells, it is probably Melena, stools digested blood. Source bleeding will therefore be found in the upper tier of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). The cause of bleeding disorders can be bleeding gastric ulcers of stomach and duodenum, esophageal varices or tumors of the stomach and esophagus.

With this symptom must be immediately transported to the emergency room. If at the same time present and vomiting blood (haematemesis), immediately call an ambulance.