Black stool is a sign of older blood in your stool. Hematochezia and melena are two terms that describe different ways blood can appear in your stool Hematochezia is bright red blood that generally starts lower in the digestive tract Melena generally starts much higher up in the digestive tract and results in black, tarry stools. Melena refers to black, tarry, sticky stools and usually results from upper gastrointestinal bleeding The source of bleeding can come from damage to the lining of the gi tract, breakage of swollen blood vessels, or other conditions that prolong bleeding such as hemophilia.
Melena is black, tarry stool that’s caused by internal bleeding Black blood in your stool is typically from your upper gastrointestinal tract Here's what you need to know. Possible causes, signs and symptoms, standard treatment options and means of care and support. Your poop may be black, medically known as melena, due to certain foods, medications, or iron supplements More severe causes include gastrointestinal (gi) bleeding or, in rare cases, cancer.
