What are bloody or tarry stools?

Also known as: black or tarry stools, bloody stools, melena, hematochezia

If your bowel movements appear bloody, black or tarry and are foul-smelling, it might be the sign of internal bleeding or another more serious medical condition. On the other hand, certain foods or medications can also lead to stools that appear bloody or tarry.

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Reviewed by: Shifra Koyfman, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM