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Can Smoking Marijuana Cause Black Stool?
Posted on
Mon, 12 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 12 May 2014
Answered on
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I have been diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhousis. I smoke marijuana and i have noticed that my stool turned black. Is it due to swallowing the smoke ? I am very concerned because i have had stomach bleeding before but i have no symptoms of that.
Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
In patient with liver cirrhosis , upper gastrointestinal bleeding should always be considered if there is black stool (melena). however, in most cases this bleeding is not severe unless there is no blood vomiting or specific symptoms. Marijuana should not affect stool color.
I suggest to do red blood count to see is there signs of anemia. if yes, then you need gastroscopy to verify is there variceal bleeding in stomach which can be serious complication of liver cirrhosis. In every case,take iron supplements, drink pelnty of fluids and avoid hepatotoxic substances. WIsh you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards
Hi and welcome to HCM
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
In patient with liver cirrhosis , upper gastrointestinal bleeding should always be considered if there is black stool (melena). however, in most cases this bleeding is not severe unless there is no blood vomiting or specific symptoms. Marijuana should not affect stool color.
I suggest to do red blood count to see is there signs of anemia. if yes, then you need gastroscopy to verify is there variceal bleeding in stomach which can be serious complication of liver cirrhosis. In every case,take iron supplements, drink pelnty of fluids and avoid hepatotoxic substances. WIsh you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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