Melena (Black Stool): What It Means and When To Worry
Melena (Black Stool): What It Means and When To Worry Overview What is melena (black stool)? “Melena” is the medical term for the black, tarry stool that comes from bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Black stool is a sign of older blood in your stool . The blood turns black and tarry while traveling through your GI tract from higher up, where it started — usually in your stomach or upper small intestine. Digestive chemicals interact with the blood during its journey, changing its color and texture. What is the difference between melena and black stool? Healthcare providers diagnose melena when they’ve confirmed that the color of your poop is, in fact, from internal bleeding. Black stool is often a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, but not always. Certain medications, supplements and foods may also turn your poop black. In that case, it’s not called m...