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What Causes Black Coloured Stool?
What can cause black stool. I am a kidney patient. They have already checked for blood in the stool and there is none. I have had this symptom for many years with no apparent reason.The stool is usually of normal consistency (not tar-like or diarrhea). Thank you...
posted on
Wed, 1 Mar 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 18 Mar 2017
Answered on
Mon, 20 Mar 2017
Last reviewed on
Hi, thanks for your question. I'm glad to help.
Black stools are mostly indicative of upper gastro-intestinal bleeds. However, in the absence of blood in the stool, as you noted, it is most likely from other causes such as taking iron supplements and bismuth-containing drugs such as pepto-bismol.
It is nothing to worry about, as long as there is no concomitant altered bowel habits, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
I hope I have answered your question.
Best wishes.
Black stools are mostly indicative of upper gastro-intestinal bleeds. However, in the absence of blood in the stool, as you noted, it is most likely from other causes such as taking iron supplements and bismuth-containing drugs such as pepto-bismol.
It is nothing to worry about, as long as there is no concomitant altered bowel habits, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
I hope I have answered your question.
Best wishes.
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