Is it possible I have internal bleeding?

[GoToGo]

Hi I need help on this one. I know a sign of having internal bleeding is very dark - black stool and I have had two of them I would like to know if it is likely I have internal bleeding taking into account I have just recently changed my diet to healthier options for my lunch from junk food i.e chocolates an crisps to a bottle of water fruit and a pasta snack, I am also feeling run down as I have a fairly bad cough and a cold I am not feeling pain anywhere, So i was wondering if the sudden change in diet and feeling run down could have coursed the dark stool or Is it likely to be internal bleeding? Please help thank you x

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

You are partially right! Yes, dark black stool can be caused by bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract like a bleeding gastric ulcer or bleeding esophageal varices. However dark black stool can also be caused by a coloring agent in your food, iron rich food or taking iron supplements. Since you are having cold and run down feeling, there is a chance you have viral flu. A viral infection can change the stool color to dark bottle green color. This with a change in diet could have formed a stool that appears dark black in color.

However dark stool due to bleeding can be very serious. It’s been only two days since you had these stools. So do not panic, but do consult your family physician and get your stool examined for hidden blood. There are certain strips available in the market to self test the stool at home for blood. However a lab test should be preferred.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[caregiver222]

The answer is yes, black dark stool is generally a sign of internal bleeding. It has absolutely nothing to do with your diet.

There is a special test available from your physician. You smear stool on the test card, close it and mail it back and it provides a confirmation.

That being said, it may or may not be serious. It doesn't pay to take a chance.

Red blood means the bleeding is close to the anus.

Dark stool means the problem is higher up.

You require a work-up, which will include a hematocrit.

Please get one as soon as possible.