Black Stools And Chronic Gastritis What To Know

One of the most concerning symptoms associated with chronic gastritis is the appearance of black stools. When a person notices that their stool has turned black, especially if it resembles coal in color, it could be an important indicator of bleeding somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Black stools often signal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
This dark coloration typically occurs when blood from the stomach or small intestine begins to break down during digestion. As a result, the presence of black, tarry stools—medically known as melena—should not be ignored. It is crucial to collect a stool sample and have it tested for occult (hidden) blood.

Occult blood test can confirm internal bleeding
If the test results come back positive for occult blood, this strongly suggests that there is active bleeding in the upper digestive system. This type of bleeding may originate from ulcers, inflamed areas of the stomach lining, or other abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is highly recommended
In such cases, undergoing a gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) is essential. This procedure allows doctors to visually inspect the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to identify any potential sources of bleeding. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing complications related to prolonged or severe blood loss.

In conclusion, if you suffer from chronic gastritis and notice black stools, especially after confirming a positive occult blood test, it's vital to consider upper gastrointestinal bleeding as a possible cause. Prompt medical evaluation, including endoscopic examination, is strongly advised to determine the underlying issue and begin appropriate treatment.