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What Causes Dark Speckled Stool While Having Abdominal Discomfort?
Posted on
Wed, 14 Oct 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 14 Oct 2015
Answered on
Fri, 30 Oct 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I've noticed some dark colored specks when wiping after passing stool, it also smells different.. is this anything serious?
yes I've had upper abdominal discomfort on each side at different times but it has gone away, no vomiting, maintaining the same weight, not getting enough sleep honestly, burning when passing gas and stool other than today it felt normal.. stool is like a greenish yellow I would say. my mother told me me I had ibs when I was younger, I'm 20 now.. now it's central discomfort but it's like I'm hungry or genes to pass gas, I don't have health insurance and I'm planning on going to the Doctor Friday or Monday, I feel fine physically I must add, although I do sweat alot
yes I've had upper abdominal discomfort on each side at different times but it has gone away, no vomiting, maintaining the same weight, not getting enough sleep honestly, burning when passing gas and stool other than today it felt normal.. stool is like a greenish yellow I would say. my mother told me me I had ibs when I was younger, I'm 20 now.. now it's central discomfort but it's like I'm hungry or genes to pass gas, I don't have health insurance and I'm planning on going to the Doctor Friday or Monday, I feel fine physically I must add, although I do sweat alot
Brief Answer:
IBS and sequelae. Dark specked stools Need evaluation if persisted
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. With history of IBS , these bowel symptoms could be very well attributed to IBS. Flatulence, burning while passing the stools, change in color and consistency of stool and upper abdominal discomfort all fit in IBS category.
the only thing worth considering is that dark speck you wiped after defecating. Many foods can change the color of the stools, although that dark spot may be considered for blood if repeatedly occurred. So wait and see and if that showed up again, get your bowel assessed, a simple digital rectal examination will rule out many possibilities and sooth many worries.
Meanwhile diet and lifestyle modifications for IBS will help. Eat small frequent meals. avoid spices, fatty foods, fats and dairy products, alcohol and beverages , soda and caffeine and all other stimulants.
Prefer diet rich in fiber, natural fruits, drink plenty of fluids, minimum of 3 litres in a day. Also use yogurt and peppermint in excess as former is best probiotic and later is best antispasmodic.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
IBS and sequelae. Dark specked stools Need evaluation if persisted
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. With history of IBS , these bowel symptoms could be very well attributed to IBS. Flatulence, burning while passing the stools, change in color and consistency of stool and upper abdominal discomfort all fit in IBS category.
the only thing worth considering is that dark speck you wiped after defecating. Many foods can change the color of the stools, although that dark spot may be considered for blood if repeatedly occurred. So wait and see and if that showed up again, get your bowel assessed, a simple digital rectal examination will rule out many possibilities and sooth many worries.
Meanwhile diet and lifestyle modifications for IBS will help. Eat small frequent meals. avoid spices, fatty foods, fats and dairy products, alcohol and beverages , soda and caffeine and all other stimulants.
Prefer diet rich in fiber, natural fruits, drink plenty of fluids, minimum of 3 litres in a day. Also use yogurt and peppermint in excess as former is best probiotic and later is best antispasmodic.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
the black specks are as small as pepper grains. The stool has never been black, has occurred the past 3 times I've gone to the bathroom, I do strain. stool color is like a greenish yellow XXXXXXX type of color, are the specks still to worry over? I hear it's old bacteria .. Ive been using Trubiotics
Brief Answer:
No worries then
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me
With only specks, no worries. Color of the stools is mostly due to bile in it or foods additives you recently have taken. Specks could be food, seeds or died off bacteria or yeast. its nothing to worry about. Just continue a good healthy diet, prefer fiber and fruits and continue probiotics.
I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan
No worries then
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me
With only specks, no worries. Color of the stools is mostly due to bile in it or foods additives you recently have taken. Specks could be food, seeds or died off bacteria or yeast. its nothing to worry about. Just continue a good healthy diet, prefer fiber and fruits and continue probiotics.
I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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