Foul smelling dark stool. Short Bowel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

10.09.202326.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the main causes of short bowel syndrome. How is short bowel syndrome diagnosed. What complications can arise from short bowel syndrome. What are the most effective treatment options for managing short bowel syndrome.

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Understanding Short Bowel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Overview

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a complex digestive disorder that occurs when a significant portion of the small or large intestine is either removed surgically or fails to function properly. This condition impairs the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. The severity of SBS can range from mild to severe, with some cases presenting from birth due to congenital defects, while others develop later in life as a result of various medical conditions or surgical interventions.

The most common cause of SBS is the surgical removal of a portion of the small intestine, which may be necessary to treat a variety of intestinal conditions. These conditions can include:

Intestinal atresia (being born with a narrowed or partially missing small intestine)
Physical trauma to the intestines
Intestinal motility disorders
Cancer or cancer treatments affecting the intestines
Intestinal scarring due to Crohn’s disease
Loss of blood flow to the intestines (mesenteric ischemia)

Recognizing the Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome

The symptoms of short bowel syndrome can vary widely depending on the extent of intestinal loss or dysfunction. However, the most prevalent and concerning symptom is chronic diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration and malnutrition if left untreated.

Other common symptoms of SBS include:

Unintended weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Abdominal cramping and bloating
Edema (swelling) in the legs
Nausea and vomiting
Foul-smelling or pale, greasy stools
Heartburn and excessive gas

Additionally, malabsorption of specific nutrients can lead to a range of secondary symptoms, such as:

Anemia due to iron or vitamin B12 deficiency
Easy bruising or bleeding from vitamin K deficiency
Bone pain or fractures from calcium and vitamin D deficiency
Night blindness from vitamin A deficiency
Peripheral neuropathy from vitamin E or B12 deficiency

Diagnostic Approaches for Short Bowel Syndrome

Diagnosing short bowel syndrome requires a comprehensive approach that combines patient history, physical examination, and various clinical tests. How do healthcare providers diagnose SBS? The process typically involves the following steps:

Medical history review: The doctor will inquire about symptoms and any family history of similar conditions.
Physical examination: This includes listening to the abdominal area with a stethoscope, testing reflexes, and looking for signs of muscle atrophy.
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, upper GI series (barium studies), and abdominal ultrasounds may be used to reveal obstructions, narrowed areas, or other irregularities in the intestinal tract.
Blood tests: These measure vitamin and mineral levels in the bloodstream and check for anemia.
Fecal fat tests: A stool sample is analyzed to assess how well the body is absorbing fat.

Potential Complications of Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome can lead to various complications if not properly managed. What are the most serious complications associated with SBS? Some of the potential issues include:

Gallstones and kidney stones
Intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Peptic ulcers
Severe malnutrition
Electrolyte imbalances
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Furthermore, treatments for SBS can sometimes lead to additional complications:

Catheter-related infections, blood clots, and kidney or liver problems associated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Organ rejection and infections following intestinal transplantation

Treatment Strategies for Managing Short Bowel Syndrome

The management of short bowel syndrome typically involves a multifaceted approach aimed at improving nutrient absorption, preventing complications, and enhancing overall quality of life. What are the primary treatment options for SBS?

Dietary Modifications

Dietary changes play a crucial role in managing SBS. These may include:

Consuming smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
Focusing on nutrient-dense foods
Limiting high-fat and high-fiber foods that can exacerbate diarrhea
Incorporating oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration

Nutritional Supplementation

Many patients with SBS require supplementation to address nutrient deficiencies. This can involve:

Oral vitamin and mineral supplements
Enteral nutrition (tube feeding) for those who cannot meet their nutritional needs through oral intake alone
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for severe cases, where nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream

Medications

Various medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve nutrient absorption:

Anti-diarrheal agents to reduce fluid loss
Proton pump inhibitors to decrease gastric acid secretion
Bile acid sequestrants to reduce diarrhea caused by bile acid malabsorption
Growth factors, such as teduglutide, to promote intestinal adaptation and improve nutrient absorption

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to improve intestinal function or address complications:

Intestinal lengthening procedures to increase the absorptive surface area
Strictureplasty to widen narrowed segments of the intestine
Intestinal transplantation for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments

Living with Short Bowel Syndrome: Lifestyle Adaptations and Self-Care

Successfully managing short bowel syndrome often requires significant lifestyle changes and a commitment to self-care. How can individuals with SBS improve their quality of life? Consider the following strategies:

Maintain a food diary to identify trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms
Stay well-hydrated by drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day
Work closely with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan
Monitor weight and report any significant changes to healthcare providers
Adhere to prescribed medication and supplement regimens
Practice good hygiene to prevent infections, especially if using TPN or enteral feeding tubes
Join support groups to connect with others living with SBS

Emerging Therapies and Future Directions in Short Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Research into new treatments for short bowel syndrome is ongoing, with several promising avenues being explored. What are some of the innovative therapies being developed for SBS?

Intestinal Stem Cell Therapy

Scientists are investigating the potential of intestinal stem cells to regenerate damaged or missing portions of the intestine. This approach could potentially reduce the need for long-term nutritional support and improve overall intestinal function.

Tissue Engineering

Advances in tissue engineering may lead to the development of bioengineered intestinal tissue that could be used to replace or augment damaged sections of the intestine in patients with SBS.

Novel Pharmacological Agents

Researchers are working on new medications that could enhance intestinal adaptation and improve nutrient absorption. These may include:

GLP-2 analogs that build upon the success of teduglutide
Drugs targeting specific nutrient transporters in the intestine
Agents that modulate the gut microbiome to improve intestinal function

Improved Nutritional Formulations

Efforts are underway to develop more effective and better-tolerated enteral and parenteral nutrition formulations tailored specifically for patients with SBS.

The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care in Short Bowel Syndrome Management

Effective management of short bowel syndrome typically requires a coordinated effort from a team of healthcare professionals. Why is a multidisciplinary approach crucial for SBS patients? Consider the following reasons:

Complex nature of the condition: SBS affects multiple body systems and can lead to various complications, necessitating expertise from different medical specialties.
Individualized treatment plans: Each patient’s needs and symptoms may vary, requiring a tailored approach to care.
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment: The condition and treatment efficacy can change over time, necessitating regular evaluation and modification of the treatment plan.
Comprehensive support: Patients often need not only medical care but also nutritional guidance, psychological support, and assistance with lifestyle adaptations.

A typical multidisciplinary team for SBS management may include:

Gastroenterologists
Surgeons specializing in intestinal disorders
Registered dietitians
Nurses with expertise in nutritional support
Pharmacists
Psychologists or social workers
Primary care physicians

This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s health and well-being are addressed, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Nutritional Considerations for Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome

Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of short bowel syndrome management. What are the key nutritional considerations for individuals with SBS? Let’s explore some important aspects:

Macronutrient Balance

Finding the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is crucial for SBS patients. The ideal ratio may vary depending on the extent and location of intestinal loss:

Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates are often better tolerated than simple sugars, which can exacerbate diarrhea.
Proteins: High-quality protein sources are essential to prevent muscle wasting and support overall health.
Fats: While some fat restriction may be necessary to control diarrhea, essential fatty acids are still important for various bodily functions.

Micronutrient Supplementation

Patients with SBS are at high risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Common micronutrients that may require supplementation include:

Vitamins A, D, E, and K (fat-soluble vitamins)
B-complex vitamins, particularly B12
Iron
Calcium and magnesium
Zinc and selenium

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for SBS patients, who are prone to dehydration due to chronic diarrhea. Strategies may include:

Consuming oral rehydration solutions
Drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day
Monitoring urine output and color as indicators of hydration status
Replacing lost electrolytes through diet or supplements

Texture Modifications

Some patients may benefit from texture modifications to improve nutrient absorption and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms:

Pureeing or blending foods to increase digestibility
Choosing softer, well-cooked foods over raw or fibrous options
Incorporating nutrient-dense liquid or semi-liquid foods into the diet

Working closely with a registered dietitian experienced in SBS management is essential for developing and adjusting an individualized nutrition plan that meets the patient’s specific needs and tolerances.

Causes, Diet, Treatment, and More

Short Bowel Syndrome: Causes, Diet, Treatment, and More

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Medically reviewed by Michele Cho-Dorado, M. D. — By Marc Polonsky — Updated on December 9, 2017

What is short bowel syndrome?

Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which some portion of the small or large intestine has been removed or doesn’t function properly. As a result, people with short bowel syndrome can’t properly absorb nutrients, such as:

vitamins
minerals
proteins
fats

Some cases of short bowel syndrome are mild, while others cause far more difficulties. Some people have this condition as a complication related to birth defects. Other times it develops in adulthood.

Most commonly, short bowel syndrome develops after surgical removal of a portion of the small intestine. This surgery is done to treat different types of intestinal conditions including:

being born with a narrowed small intestine, or missing a portion of this part of the digestive system (intestinal atresia)
injury to the intestines from physical trauma
sluggish movement within the intestines
cancer or cancer treatment that impacts the intestines
scarring of the intestines due to Crohn’s disease, causing obstruction in the digestive tract
loss of blood flow to the intestines as a result of blood vessel blockage

Symptoms of short bowel syndrome can vary, but the most common one is diarrhea. Because diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, it’s a serious symptom and must be treated.

Other symptoms of short bowel syndrome may include:

weight loss
bodily weakness and fatigue
cramping and bloating in the belly
swelling in the legs (edema)
nausea and vomiting
foul-smelling or pale, greasy stool
heartburn and gas

The symptoms of short bowel syndrome vary widely depending on how much of the functioning intestine remains.

Other possible symptoms, associated with malabsorption of specific nutrients, include the following:

A doctor will diagnose short bowel syndrome based on your medical history, your family’s medical history, a thorough physical examination, and several clinical tests.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any similar conditions that have occurred in your near family, such as your siblings and parents.

Next, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination, including listening to your abdominal area with a stethoscope, testing your reflexes, and looking for signs of muscle atrophy.

Further diagnostic procedures may include:

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scan, upper GI series (barium study), and abdominal ultrasound imaging, which may reveal obstructed or narrowed areas in the intestinal tract or bowel, as well as irregularities in other organs.
Blood tests, to measure vitamin and mineral levels in the bloodstream, as well as blood count (to check for anemia).
Fecal fat tests, to measure how well the body is absorbing fat. Your doctor will ask you to give a stool sample for this test.

Complications that can — but won’t necessarily — result from short bowel syndrome include:

gallstones and kidney stones
intestinal bacterial overgrowth
peptic ulcers
any of the conditionsdescribed in the “Symptoms”section above

In addition, treatments may cause complications, such as:

catheter-related infections, blood clots, and kidney or liver problems developing from TPN
organ rejection and infections developing after a transplant

In many cases, particularly if the condition occurs as a result of surgery, the symptoms of short bowel syndrome may get better over time. This will depend on factors such as how much healthy intestine remains intact and how well it adapts.

Generally speaking, with proper medical management and self-care, your quality of life can improve.

Meanwhile, clinical trials for new treatments periodically become available. To learn more about clinical trials, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

Last medically reviewed on December 8, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Mom’s advice is still the best for treating diarrhea. (2014).
health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/12/moms-advice-is-still-the-best-for-treating-diarrhea/
Short bowel syndrome. (2015).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome
Short bowel syndrome. (2017).
rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome/
Thomas DR. (2017). Total parenteral nutrition.
merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/nutritional-support/total-parenteral-nutrition-tpn
Short bowel syndrome and diet. (2002).
badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/short-bowel-syndrome-and-diet/

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Medically reviewed by Michele Cho-Dorado, M.D. — By Marc Polonsky — Updated on December 9, 2017

Stools – foul smelling Information | Mount Sinai

Foul-smelling stools; Malodorous stools

Foul-smelling stools are stools with a very bad odor. They very often have to do with what you eat, but may be a sign of a medical condition.

Food passes from the stomach into the small intestine. In the small intestine all nutrient absorption occurs. Whatever has not been absorbed by the small intestine passes into the colon. In the colon most of the water is absorbed from the food residue. The residue is then eliminated from the body as feces.

Considerations

Stools normally have an unpleasant odor. Most of the time, the odor is familiar. Stools that have an extremely bad, abnormal odor may be due to certain medical conditions. Foul-smelling stools also have normal causes, such as diet changes.

Causes

Causes may include:

Celiac disease (also called celiac sprue)
Crohn disease
Chronic pancreatitis
Cystic fibrosis
Intestinal infection
Malabsorption
Short bowel syndrome
Blood in stool from stomach or intestine

Home Care

Home care depends on what is causing the problem. Things you can do include:

Follow your health care provider’s instructions.
If you have been given a special diet, stick to it closely.
If you have diarrhea, drink more fluids so you do not get dehydrated.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have:

Black or pale stools often
Blood in the stool
Changes in the stool related to diet
Chills
Cramping
Fever
Pain in the abdomen
Weight loss

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Questions may include:

When did you first notice the change?
Are the stools an abnormal color (such as pale or clay-colored stools)?
Are the stools black (melena)?
Are your stools hard to flush?
What sort of diet have you eaten recently?
Does a change in your diet make the smell worse or better?
What other symptoms do you have?

The provider may take a stool sample. Other tests may be needed.

Höegenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 104.

Nash TE, Hill DR. Giardiasis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 330.

Last reviewed on: 7/30/2022

Reviewed by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Why black feces: causes, diagnosis

Black feces or melena are shapeless, shiny black feces that have a fetid odor. The disease develops due to pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, less often infectious diseases.

Causes of disease

Quite often, the etiological factor is profuse bleeding from the rectum, due to gastroduodenal pathology. A change in the consistency, color of feces can be with nodular periarteritis, acute erosive esophagitis, rupture of an aortic aneurysm.

The main cause of melena is gastrointestinal bleeding. Tar-like stools are found in gastritis, peptic ulcer, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, malignant neoplasms in the stomach, erosive bulbitis. The second main reason may be infectious processes of a bacterial, viral nature. Liquid black stool in an adult is observed with typhoid fever, dengue fever, hemorrhagic fever.

The third reason is a violation of blood clotting in hematological diseases. In this case, melena will be accompanied by bleeding from the nose, uterus, lungs. It develops against the background of hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, Rendu-Osler-Weber disease.

Black sticky stools are manifested in liver pathologies that lead to portal hypertension.

During pregnancy, black feces develops during the treatment of anemia with iron preparations. This condition is not dangerous for the life of the future mother and fetus. However, if there are pathologies of the digestive system, accompanied by bleeding, this is a reason for urgently seeking medical advice.

Important! Some medications, nose bleeding, stomach bleeding can lead to similar stool disorders. In childhood, pathology develops due to Meckel’s protrusion.

Symptoms of pathology

Black stool appears in various pathologies and is a symptom. In acute erosive gastritis, bleeding appears along with severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and almost black feces.

With peptic ulcer, the walls of the stomach are destroyed, hemorrhages develop. In this case, bleeding will be minor or massive with black hard stools.

With oncology of the stomach, patients are concerned about vomiting in the form of coffee grounds, melena.

In infectious pathologies, fetid black feces are accompanied by a rise in temperature, arthralgia, myalgia, and headaches.

The general symptoms of pathology are not associated with the melena itself, but depend on blood loss. If the blood loss is insignificant, then there may be no clear clinical signs.

The risk group includes people who abuse alcohol, antibiotics, corticosteroids. The cause of pathology in men can be pathological and physiological. Black feces in an adult, which appeared due to a physiological cause, are the least dangerous.

In addition, black stools can be after eating foods such as beets, prunes, dark berries, liver, uncooked meat. A distinctive feature is that after a few days the color of the stool returns to normal. In this case, there are no other symptoms, except for the darkening of the feces.

If you cannot understand what is happening to your health or the health of your loved one is in danger, do not waste time and sign up for an online consultation. Our doctors will remotely conduct an examination via video link, ask clarifying questions, give recommendations or answer all your questions in correspondence mode at any time of the day.

Diagnosis

For specification of the diagnosis address to the gastroenterologist, the surgeon. The most effective diagnostic method are:

Radiography. In this case, contrast is introduced, which helps to find the focus of the pathology. To find out the reason, this method is uninformative.
Endoscopy allows not only to find the place of bleeding, but also to cauterize it, to take a biopsy for further research.
Analysis of feces for blood, coprogram, bacteriological culture of feces.
A coagulogram is indicated for suspected genetic hemorrhagic pathologies, accompanied by a clotting disorder.
Blood study.

Treatment of pathology

If the feces are black, this requires urgent medical attention. After all, this indicates massive internal bleeding in the digestive tract. In this case, it is advisable to call an ambulance for further hospitalization. Eliminate the pathology on your own will not work.

Treatment can be conservative and operational. In drug treatment, antimicrobials, antacids, hepatoprotectors, enzymes and other drugs are used. Treatment tactics depend on the underlying cause of melena.

Surgical intervention is indicated for pathologies of the digestive system, when it is necessary to eliminate the pathological focus that caused bleeding.

If you don’t know how to prepare for procedures, appointments with a doctor, sign up for an online consultation. Our doctors will remotely contact you, explain what needs to be done, give professional detailed advice on which doctors to contact, what tests you need to pass, and select analogues of drugs.

FAQ

Maybe dark stools after surgery?

This is an unfavorable sign, indicating internal bleeding. The risk of occurrence increases after operations on the stomach, intestines. In the first weeks after the operation, it is necessary to be observed by specialists.

What diseases cause black feces?

This happens in pregnant women as a result of taking iron supplements, with gastritis, peptic ulcer, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, oncology of the stomach, intestines, necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns, typhoid fever.

Why black feces can be in the elderly?

The reasons for this can be both physiological and pathological. The etiological factors for the appearance of melena in an elderly person are the same as in adults.

Is melena a sign of cancer?

Yes, with tumors of the stomach, intestines, the stool can be dark. This symptom manifests itself in the later stages and most often in the malignant course of the pathological process. In the initial stages, there may be no symptoms.

Expert opinion

Quite often, melena is a symptom of a pathological process in the digestive system. There are quite a few reasons for such a symptom. It can be gastritis, oncology, varicose veins of the esophagus, taking medications, using coloring products. If black stool appears, it is necessary to seek advice as soon as possible, as this indicates internal bleeding. Tactics and treatment regimen depends on the underlying disease.

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Article author

Esakova Ekaterina Yurievna

general practitioner • gastroenterologist

Experience 4 years

Consultations 3228

Articles 168

Many years of experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Recommendations, clarification of symptoms, recommendations for laboratory diagnostics, interpretation of tests and ultrasound results.

Black feces: causes

Feces (faeces, feces, excrement, stool) are human waste and small undigested food particles that are regularly excreted from the body. Feces are formed under the influence of digestive enzymes, their formation ends in the intestine. On average, 100-200 grams of feces are excreted per day. The color of feces is given by the metabolic products of the bile pigment, bilirubin, which is formed during the breakdown of red blood cells. Normal feces (K.) can be all shades of brown (from light to dark), depending on the characteristics of the diet.

If plant food predominates, K. is light brown, a predominantly milky diet gives it a light yellow color. Noticeable and abrupt changes in the color of feces compared to normal can be a symptom of serious health problems. In particular, if K. turned black, you need to understand the reason for this phenomenon.

Physiological causes black feces

If you feel normal and there are no unpleasant symptoms, you need to pay attention to the presence of certain products on the menu and the intake of certain medicines.

The following foods, if consumed in large quantities, change the color of K. and give it a dark, almost black tint:

beetroot,

· prunes,

blueberries, blackberries,

blackcurrant, black grapes,

· pomegranate,

· Tomatoes,

Strong tea and coffee

· cherry,

chokeberry,

· blood sausage,

· liver,

Meat “with blood”.

Dark feces usually appear 1-2 days after that, and after the abolition of these products within 3 days, the color of K. is restored.

If it’s not about nutrition, then you need to analyze which of the medications you take could give the same effect:

Dietary supplements, vitamin-mineral complexes and drugs against anemia, containing a lot of iron,

Activated charcoal and preparations based on it, which are excreted from the body in its original form,

Anti-inflammatory bismuth coating preparations for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Painted K. in these cases has the usual shape and consistency: soft sausages, snakes or balls.

Pathological causes Black stool

Adult black stool

The main reasons for staining K. black are gastrointestinal diseases that cause gastrointestinal bleeding (up to 80% of cases from the upper gastrointestinal tract). Blood, although much less common, can enter the digestive tract due to respiratory diseases. Red blood cells (erythrocytes), when broken down by digestive enzymes, can turn feces black. When K. has a liquid, sticky, dark consistency like tar, such a pathology is called in the international classification of diseases melena.

Causes of melena in adults:

Side effects from taking medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, antiplatelet agents that reduce blood clotting, drugs based on aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Acute erosive gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa with the formation of lesions) and esophagitis (pathology of the esophageal mucosa).

· Erosive bulbitis (lesion of the bulbar part of the duodenum).

Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease).

Tumors of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum.

Periarteritis nodosa (inflammatory damage to the walls of blood vessels).

· Hemophilia. Severe bleeding disorders.

Thrombocytopenia. A sharp drop in the number of platelets in the blood.

Fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. Due to portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the abdominal cavity), the vessels of the esophagus and stomach dilate and may rupture.

Rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (pathological expansion of a section of its wall) into the lumen of the small intestine.

· Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, etc.

Infectious diseases:

Dengue Fever. Capillaries are affected, blood clotting is disturbed.

· Typhoid fever. The causes of bleeding are damage to the intestinal arteries.

Hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease with an acute deficiency of platelets in the blood.

Black feces in pregnant women

Usually, the reasons for coloring K. black are caused by taking vitamin complexes and preparations with iron, which are often recommended for pregnant women with anemia, as well as eating a large amount of fruits, vegetables, and other foods containing iron. At the same time, you need to carefully monitor your condition so as not to miss the manifestations of any gastrointestinal disease, especially for those who have chronic diseases of the digestive system or blood.

Black feces in children

If a newborn baby has black stools with a greenish tinge, this is normal. As soon as he passes to breast milk or milk formulas, K. will turn into a mustard or yellowish color. In infants, mainly in premature babies, melena with a red rim may appear in the first days of life. This is a sign of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that develops due to serious changes in the intestinal wall.

According to statistics, in children, diseases that cause internal bleeding are rare. More often, the cause of black K., as in adults, is certain foods or the intake of iron-containing drugs. Sometimes dark stools are a symptom of reduced activity of digestive enzymes, due to which the food is not completely digested.

However, if black K. is accompanied by a deterioration in the child’s well-being, as well as abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness, nausea, etc., call a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

If black feces are found, you should consult a gastroenterologist, if the condition is threatening, then a surgeon.

If there is a suspicion of internal bleeding, then a number of studies should be carried out:

· Blood tests: general, biochemical and clotting (coagulogram) in case of suspected genetic pathologies.

· Analysis of K. for occult blood, bacteriological analysis (sowing).

· Coprogram – analysis of the physical and chemical properties of K., its components and various inclusions.

Visual methods of examination: mucous tissues of the duodenum, stomach and esophagus – esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and large intestine – colonoscopy to find the place of bleeding, stop it and take tissue samples (biopsy) of the altered areas for histological examination.

X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the introduction of a contrast agent (barium sulfate) to localize the lesion with bleeding.

Melena treatment

With a general normal state of health, before going to the doctor, you need to remember what you ate in recent days. If you have been actively using products that color K. black or taking medications with such an effect (see above), then exclude these factors and, most likely, the color of feces will normalize in the next 2-3 days.

If your diet did not contain appropriate products and you did not take “suspicious” drugs, then black feces, and especially black diarrhea, as well as deterioration in your general condition, should alert you. Be sure to consult a doctor so as not to miss a serious illness and massive bleeding. Especially attentive should be people suffering from chronic diseases of the liver, stomach, having unfavorable heredity for intestinal cancer, blood diseases, etc.

Conservative treatment is used for spot bleeding in pathologies of the blood coagulation system, in severe diseases that preclude surgery (inoperable cancer, heart failure, etc.). Drug therapy includes antimicrobials, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, iron supplements, and other drugs, depending on the cause of melena.

If the bleeding is severe, surgical treatment is used to eliminate the source of bleeding: including endoscopic interventions, electrocoagulation, ligation (ligation) or sclerosis (gluing) of damaged vessels.

Urgently see a doctor!

If, in addition to melena, the following symptoms or some of them are observed: deterioration of health, nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, in the chest area, lowering blood pressure and pulse rate, pallor, weakness and dizziness, this may be a sign of dangerous for life of internal bleeding.

Life-threatening gastric bleeding in infectious diseases is accompanied by chills, sweating, fever.

Such conditions require immediate medical attention.

At the first symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, the patient should lie down on a hard surface, do not eat or drink anything, do not take any medication, so as not to blur the clinical picture and worsen the condition. You can put something cold on your stomach. And call an ambulance immediately!

Prevention

The danger of internal bleeding, which in 15-20% of cases can be fatal, requires timely detection and adequate treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the hematopoietic system. Much depends on the person himself. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed recommendations:

· Starting from the age of 40-50, visit a general practitioner or gastroenterologist every year so as not to miss the development of pathologies of the upper digestive tract. Once every 2 years, do a gastroscopy to detect gastritis, duodenitis and Helicobacter pylori infection. This will help to avoid peptic ulcer and oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, to detect pathologies of the lower gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to do a colonoscopy every 5 years, starting from the age of 45 years.

In the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the acute stage, you need to follow a sparing diet that does not irritate the mucous membranes, as well as take the medication prescribed by the doctor in a timely manner.