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 or even lungs – so any site from where blood may flow into the bowel.

Melena

Melena (Greek melas = black) is a medical term for black tarry stool due to blood in the stool, usually originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach or above).

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

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

How Does the Blood in the Stool Look Like?

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?

If blood in the stool results from rough wiping or hemorrhoids, it’s usually not dangerous. In most of 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, if bacteria had several hours to change its color.

continue reading Blood in Your Stool & Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Black colored stool may be due to:

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 & Black Diarrhea – Causes