Does Black Stool Cause Death? Here's What Experts Say

Black stool may be a source of health concern in some cases. There are conditions related to black stools when one should visit a doctor.

Black Stool: Causes Death?

According to iCliniq, having black stools could be a serious disorder and put your life in danger since it could result from gastrointestinal bleeding. Long-term gastrointestinal bleeding could cause the patient to go into hemorrhagic shock, which might be fatal. In this event, prompt medical attention is necessary.

When an individual has upper gastrointestinal bleeding, their feces appear tarry and dark. The procedure causes the digested RBCs to turn black in hue. The appearance of dark, tarry stools indicates a medical emergency. Prolonged bleeding may result in a person's death. Thus, it's best to consult a doctor when one has black poop and is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

Here are other health conditions per Medical News Today that may result in black stools.

Benign Tumors and Cancer

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that either benign tumors or cancerous growths in the esophagus, stomach, colon, or rectum can result in blood in a person's stool, which may make it black and tarry.

Colitis

According to Genetics Home Reference, ulcerative colitis is a gastrointestinal condition resulting in ulcers in the large intestine. This may cause a person's stool to include blood, making it appear dark and tarry.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, according to NIDDK. The illness is treatable by doctors through both surgery and medicine.

Colon polyps

Blood in the stool, which gives it a dark, tarry look, can be caused by colon polyps.

Small growths called polyps develop in the big intestine. Although they may eventually develop into cancer, they are not necessarily malignant.

A doctor might advise having the colon polyps surgically removed.

Stomach Ulcer

A person may experience stomach bleeding from an ulcer, resulting in dark, tarry stools. Ibuprofen and aspirin, for example, can result in stomach ulcers when taken over an extended period, according to the NIDDK. Another reason can be an infection with germs.

Black Stool and Bismuth Subsalicylate

Black feces, however, are not always indicative of a medical condition. Your stool may appear black due to certain foods, dietary supplements, and medications.

In a previous report from Science Times, medicines, including bismuth subsalicylate, may also result in black poop. This medicine is usually taken to treat intestinal disturbance, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.

Your poop may seem black if you consume certain foods and beverages with dark colors. These include blueberries, black licorice, and blood sausage. Your stool could also appear reddish if you consume beets or foods flavored with dark red food coloring.

If eating causes your excrement to become darker than usual, no medical treatment is required. The color of your feces will return to normal once the food has left your system.

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