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What Causes Black Colored Stool, Lack Of Appetite And Weakness?
Posted on
Thu, 2 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 2 Apr 2015
Answered on
Wed, 22 Apr 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : For three days I have had blackstools and have no appetite and am very weak. I do not have pain anywhere. What could be wrong?
Brief Answer:
could be due to blood loss
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Black stools are related to: (1) blood in the stool from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract eg the stomach
(2)use of supplements with iron
(3)use of medications with bismuth eg pepto bismol
If you are currently not using any iron supplements or other medications that could be contributing to the color then it is likely due to blood in the stool.
Blood loss would cause weakness. It is possible for this to occur with no pain present.
This can occur in gastritis (inflammation/irritation of the stomach), gastric or duodenal ulcer, side effect of medication (aspirin or some other pain meds), anticoagulants (eg warfarin)
It would be very important to see your doctor as soon as possible for an assessment.
This would include examination of your abdomen, check of your blood pressure and pulse.
Blood tests and possible imaging may also be needed.
The blood tests would consist of a complete blood count.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
could be due to blood loss
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Black stools are related to: (1) blood in the stool from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract eg the stomach
(2)use of supplements with iron
(3)use of medications with bismuth eg pepto bismol
If you are currently not using any iron supplements or other medications that could be contributing to the color then it is likely due to blood in the stool.
Blood loss would cause weakness. It is possible for this to occur with no pain present.
This can occur in gastritis (inflammation/irritation of the stomach), gastric or duodenal ulcer, side effect of medication (aspirin or some other pain meds), anticoagulants (eg warfarin)
It would be very important to see your doctor as soon as possible for an assessment.
This would include examination of your abdomen, check of your blood pressure and pulse.
Blood tests and possible imaging may also be needed.
The blood tests would consist of a complete blood count.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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