What Do Black Faeces Mean?

Black faeces, or melena is associated with haemorrhage and is an indicates that there is internal bleeding in the intestines.

As well as the change of colour the stool will also be tarry and smell bad. This is usually an indication that the bleed is situated somewhere in the top part of the gastrointestinal tract. The bleed could be due to a stomach ulcer or inflammation.  The change in colour can also be attributed to other factors such as eating a substantial amount of a certain food like black pudding or black liquorice or by certain medications such as bismuth subsalicylate which is used to treat heartburn, diarrhoea or upset stomachs. Iron supplements can also cause the faeces to turn black.The change in colour of the faeces is due to chemical changes that take place to the red blood cells (haemoglobin) in the blood. This happens because the cells have been broken down by the digestive enzymes in the intestines. If they have been in the intestines long enough we see the change in the colour, smell and texture of our faeces.

Black faeces should be considered as a medical emergency as it may be difficult to control. It is imperative that any symptoms be reported to your doctor immediately so that the condition can be treated quickly before it becomes too severe. Investigations will need to be carried out to assertain the exact cause of the bleed. A stool sample may have to be done to check for the presence of blood.

In medical terminology 'black faeces' is also called Melena. Black faeces, is a condition in which a person passes black stools. The faeces of such a person are black or tarry. This condition is generally associated with haemorrhage. The iron in the haemoglobin pigment of blood gets oxidised when it passes through the ileum and the colon of the intestinal tract. This gives black colour to the faeces.

This is commonly caused due to peptic (acidic area of gastrointestinal tract) ulcers or any other condition that causes bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or ascending colon of the intestine. Thus, bleeding can either be in the upper part of the intestinal tract or its can be in the lower part. The bleeding in the lower part is slow enough to cause to cause the oxidation of iron. Black faeces condition is a medical emergency and may be difficult to control.

I have cramping first. And right away I have to rush to the toilet and have a dark watery movement, then I feel good. What could be my problem?

My bowl movements are very dark but not stringy or sticky looking. This has been going on for about a week. Should I be conserned. I have constipation a lot.