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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Black Stool And GERD?

Today I noticed I had black stool. This has happened before and recently as of a few months ago I went into to see a doctor about my stomach problems and discovered I have gastric problems (GERD). Now I take tums occasionally, have a wedge pillow, and have been trying to adjust my diet. But I feel that nothing I do is working and I am not sure if the black stool I had today was related. Is this a reflection of a lack of improvement or is it totally related to GERD and nothing to worry about? Also they put me on omeprazole, but I got rash on my face and I am nervous in taking any other kinds of medications.
posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Twitter Sat, 25 Apr 2020 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 27 Apr 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi

Dark stools may occur in upper gastrointestinal bleed due to ulcers or oesophageal varices,diverticulitis. The cause should be identified.

Abdominal ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be required.

Any new drug take should also be taken into consideration since it can alter the stool colour.

I suggest you to continue with Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole. In case of allergy to Omeprazole,other drugs like Rabeprazole or H2 blockers like Ranitidine should be taken inorder to reduce acid secretion.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards
Dr.Saranya Ramadoss, General and Family Physician

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What Causes Black Stool And GERD?

Hi Dark stools may occur in upper gastrointestinal bleed due to ulcers or oesophageal varices,diverticulitis. The cause should be identified. Abdominal ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be required. Any new drug take should also be taken into consideration since it can alter the stool colour. I suggest you to continue with Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole. In case of allergy to Omeprazole,other drugs like Rabeprazole or H2 blockers like Ranitidine should be taken inorder to reduce acid secretion. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards Dr.Saranya Ramadoss, General and Family Physician