Stomach and digestion
Blood in stool or black stool
Also called blood in stool, black stool, tatti me khoon, rectal bleeding, kala pakhana
What this means
Blood in the stool can be bright red, often from piles or a fissure, or the stool can look black and tarry, which may mean bleeding higher up in the gut. The cause should be identified.
Safe to do at home
- Keep a high fibre diet and drink plenty of water to ease passage
- Maintain gentle hygiene of the area
- Note the colour and amount of blood
Please do not do this alone
- Do not assume all bleeding is only piles
- Do not take painkillers like certain anti inflammatory tablets without advice
- Do not ignore black, tarry stools
Book a consultation if
- You notice blood in the stool more than once
- There is a change in bowel habit or weight loss
- You feel weak or look pale
Get help immediately if
- Heavy rectal bleeding or repeated black, tarry stools
- Bleeding with dizziness, fainting or a fast heartbeat
The right doctor for this
Gastroenterologist
This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.
