Also described as: “Khoon ki ulti, kaali latrine”
Common symptoms
- Vomiting blood or “coffee-ground” material
- Black, tarry stools
- Red or maroon blood in stool
- Weakness, dizziness or breathlessness
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
See a doctor promptly if
- Large amounts of blood — go to an emergency department
- Fainting or very fast heartbeat
- Bleeding in someone with liver disease
- Bleeding while on blood thinners
Heavy bleeding is an emergency. If you are vomiting blood, passing large amounts of blood or black stools, or feel faint, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Causes
Upper GI bleeding commonly comes from ulcers, erosions (often due to painkillers), or varices in liver disease. Lower GI bleeding can come from piles, fissures, polyps, colitis, diverticula or cancer. Slow, hidden bleeding may only show up as anaemia.
Diagnosis and treatment
Endoscopy and colonoscopy both find the source and treat it — with clips, injections, heat or banding. Unexplained bleeding may need capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy.
How we can help
Upper GI EndoscopyA high-definition camera examination of the food pipe, stomach and duodenum to find the cause of acidity, pain, bleeding or swallowing trouble.
ColonoscopyA camera examination of the large bowel to investigate bleeding, bowel changes or anaemia, remove polyps and screen for colon cancer.
Enteroscopy & Capsule EvaluationExamining the small intestine — the part a normal endoscopy or colonoscopy cannot reach — with a swallowable camera capsule or a long enteroscope.
Frequently asked questions
No — iron tablets and some foods can darken stool. But black, sticky, tar-like stools can indicate bleeding and should be checked promptly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shivam Kalia MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist