Description Black stools can be...
Description
Black stools can be the result of ingesting bismuth usually in the form of bismuth subsalicylate commonly known as "pink bismuth". Pink bismuth is the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. Taking iron pills can also cause black stools. So can bleeding in the stomach or small intestine.
Symptoms
Black stools
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Your doctor may test for blood in the black stool for blood using an heme-occult blood card. This is an office test and the result is known in 30 seconds.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Your doctor may test for blood in the black stool for blood using an heme-occult blood card. This is an office test and the result is known in 30 seconds.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
No treatment is required. The stool color should return to normal in a few days.