Bowel bleeding is a popular term for rectal bleeding, what refers to blood in the bowel movement.

These terms only mean that blood comes out from the bowel/rectum, but actual origin of the blood may be in the bowel (small/large intestine, rectum), stomach, esophagus, throat, mouth, nose, para-nasal sinuses, lungs (after swallowing blood) or any other organ from which the blood may flow into the bowel (for example in stitching injuries or metastatic cancer).

Related Articles:

• Melena
• Blood in your Stool

Melena (Gk. melas = black) is a medical term for a black tarry stool due to blood in the stool, usually originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract (the stomach, esophagus, mouth, nose).

The term is sometimes (but not medically) used for a black vomit.  

It is important to differ between melena and black bowel movement from reasons, other than bleeding.

Related Articles:

• Blood in Your Stool, Occult Blood Test
• What Is Normal Bowel Movement Color?

How Does the Blood in the Stool Look Like?

The blood in the stool may appear as:

• Invisible (occult)
• Bright red fluid
• Red streaks on the stool surface
• Red or maroon colored stool
• Black tarry stool

Is Blood in the Stool a Symptom of a Dangerous Disorder?

When blood in the stool results from rough wiping or hemorrhoids, it is usually not dangerous. In most other cases, it may be a symptom of a serious disorder, and has to be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

In general, blood in the stool from the end of the gut (anus, rectum) is bright red and liquid, and blood from the stomach or above is black and thick. Massive bleeding from the stomach may still appear as red blood, and blood from the rectum may be dark, since colonic bacteria may change it color (in several hours).

continue reading Causes of Blood in Your Stool and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

CAUSES OF BLACK BOWEL MOVEMENT

FOOD

• Beets
• Blueberries or blackberries in large amount
• Licorice
• Raw or undercooked red meat, or other foods with substantial amount of animal blood, like Black pudding

continue reading Black Bowel Movement and Black Diarrhea – Causes