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What Causes Dark Stool?
Posted on
Wed, 2 Nov 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 2 Nov 2016
Answered on
Wed, 23 Nov 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : experiencing dark, runny stools 3-4 days.
Brief Answer:
acute bacterial or viral infection most common cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Acute diarrhea is most commonly due to a viral or bacterial infection.
In most adults the symptoms last no longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
If the stool is very dark or appears black, then this may indicate that blood may be present. If this is the case , then you should consider seeing a doctor for assessment. A stool sample may need to be sent to the lab.
While most bacterial or viral infections do not need specific treatment (antibiotics), there some that require more than home care
Treatment involves: (1) holding off all solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms
The intestines are not ready to absorb food and it would slow down healing
When the 4 hours passes, use a small amount of dry foods- biscuits, toast, rice (BRAT diet, includes banana, apple)
(2)fluids are very important to replace what you are losing. An oral rehydration fluid or sports drink such as gatorade would be helpful to give back both fluids or electrolytes.
If these are not replaced you may start to feel very weak, dizzy etc
(3)probiotics help to repair the intestine and shorten the course
(4)medications such as lomotil or pepto bismol can be used to help slow down the diarrhea
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
acute bacterial or viral infection most common cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Acute diarrhea is most commonly due to a viral or bacterial infection.
In most adults the symptoms last no longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
If the stool is very dark or appears black, then this may indicate that blood may be present. If this is the case , then you should consider seeing a doctor for assessment. A stool sample may need to be sent to the lab.
While most bacterial or viral infections do not need specific treatment (antibiotics), there some that require more than home care
Treatment involves: (1) holding off all solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms
The intestines are not ready to absorb food and it would slow down healing
When the 4 hours passes, use a small amount of dry foods- biscuits, toast, rice (BRAT diet, includes banana, apple)
(2)fluids are very important to replace what you are losing. An oral rehydration fluid or sports drink such as gatorade would be helpful to give back both fluids or electrolytes.
If these are not replaced you may start to feel very weak, dizzy etc
(3)probiotics help to repair the intestine and shorten the course
(4)medications such as lomotil or pepto bismol can be used to help slow down the diarrhea
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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