Is Black Stool Dangerous? Recognize 6 Factors That Triggered It

Illustration of bowel movements (Pixabay)

YOGYAKARTA – Is black stool dangerous? Defecation is the process of removing undigested food waste (feces) from the body through the rectum.

When defecating, we often encounter black stool. Normally, stool is yellow-brown.

So, is this dangerous for your health? To find out, you first need to explore the causes.

Why Is Stool Black?

Quoted from WebMD, black stools can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Iron Supplement Intake

Black or dark green stools can be a side effect of iron supplements taken to treat anemia, a condition where the body lacks sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Black stools caused by iron deficiency are generally harmless. However, consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• The stool appears very sticky.
• There are red blood spots in the stool.

Other side effects of iron supplements include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stained teeth
• Nausea
• Heartburn

To reduce the risk of side effects, always follow your doctor's instructions when taking iron supplements. If you experience any bothersome side effects, consult your doctor. They may recommend a more suitable supplement.

2. Bleeding in the Digestive Tract

Black stools often indicate bleeding in the digestive tract. This condition can be caused by:

• Injury or tear in the lining of the digestive tract
• A tear in the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, caused by severe vomiting
• Bleeding stomach ulcers
• Serious inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) or esophagus (esophagitis)
• Swollen and tortuous blood vessels (varices) in the stomach or esophagus
• Erosion of the stomach lining, which can be triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, high-dose use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or cancer therapies such as chemotherapy
• Cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, or stomach.

Black stools due to bleeding in the digestive tract are characterized by being soft and having an unpleasant odor.

3. Activated Charcoal Consumption

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from burning carbon-rich materials. Activated charcoal acts as a toxin absorbent, binding and removing harmful substances from the body through the digestive tract.

One possible side effect of consuming activated charcoal is a change in stool color, from yellow-brown to pitch black.

In other words, activated charcoal is also a contributing factor to black stools.

4. Consumption of Certain Foods

Some dark-colored foods or drinks can make stool turn black, including:

• Blueberries
• Grape juice
• Beets
• Foods or drinks with artificial coloring
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Dark beer

Stool color will usually return to normal after stopping consuming the food or drink that caused it.

5. Use of Certain Medications

Certain medications, such as bismuth subsalicylate, can also cause black stools. Bismuth subsalicylate is the active ingredient in medications for diarrhea, heartburn, and other digestive disorders. It works by reducing inflammation in the intestines and decreasing fluid flow.

Bismuth reacts with sulfur in saliva and the digestive tract, forming a black substance called bismuth sulfide. This substance is excreted in the stool, giving it its black color.

Stools should return to normal after you stop taking medications containing this ingredient, although it may take a few days.

6. Internal Bleeding

Black, sticky, and pungent-smelling stools are often a sign of bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine. Blood turns black and sticky after being digested in the digestive tract. Meanwhile, if bleeding occurs in the lower digestive tract, stool tends to be red.

Is Black Stool Dangerous?

The answer can vary, depending on the cause. If the color change is caused by certain foods or medications, this condition is generally harmless. However, if black stool is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a soft stool texture and a strong odor, this may indicate a more serious health problem.

Therefore, it's important to pay attention to changes in stool color every time you have a bowel movement, as this could indicate a health problem, especially in the digestive tract.

That concludes our discussion on whether black stool is dangerous. Get more selected news updates only on VOI.ID.