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Could Holding In Gas Cause Stomach Pain And One-time Black Stool, Or Is It A Sign Of Internal Bleeding?
For the past few weeks my stomach would hurt coming back from school, perhaps of me holding in gas / not passing gas when my body wants me to. But today I noticed for the first time I had black stool I m not sure if it s my internal organ bleeding or not. If I have normal brown poop the next time is it safe to say I m okay?
posted on
Sun, 24 Mar 2024
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 12 Aug 2025
Answered on
Tue, 2 Sep 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Sometimes, the stool color changes because of the food you eat. Certain food may cause stool color to change to brown or black. However, it needs evaluation. Do not hold gas like you have been doing as it will increase gastric discomfort and cause pain. Take fiber rich food so that you are not constipated. Keep your bowels clean, stay well hydrated and avoid sedentary lifestyle.
Avoid severe constipation as it can cause small tears in the lower bowel (anal fissures), which might lead to bright red blood on the stool’s surface. Having a normal brown stool next time does not guarantee you’re fine. Bleeding could still occur intermittently. If your stool is truly black and tar-like, constipation alone is unlikely to be the cause, it’s safer to get checked for internal bleeding.
Get clinically examined by a Gastroenterologist. Get fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) done. Also, get done CBC, iron to detect anemia and liver function tests done. The treating healthcare professional will recommend upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and CT scan or special GI series if endoscopy isn’t conclusive.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Sometimes, the stool color changes because of the food you eat. Certain food may cause stool color to change to brown or black. However, it needs evaluation. Do not hold gas like you have been doing as it will increase gastric discomfort and cause pain. Take fiber rich food so that you are not constipated. Keep your bowels clean, stay well hydrated and avoid sedentary lifestyle.
Avoid severe constipation as it can cause small tears in the lower bowel (anal fissures), which might lead to bright red blood on the stool’s surface. Having a normal brown stool next time does not guarantee you’re fine. Bleeding could still occur intermittently. If your stool is truly black and tar-like, constipation alone is unlikely to be the cause, it’s safer to get checked for internal bleeding.
Get clinically examined by a Gastroenterologist. Get fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) done. Also, get done CBC, iron to detect anemia and liver function tests done. The treating healthcare professional will recommend upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and CT scan or special GI series if endoscopy isn’t conclusive.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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